Lancashire County Council joins call for Covid day of remembrance

Lancashire County Council Hall — Lancashire County Council have recently reaffirmed their support for the bid. Pic: Stephen McKay

Lancashire County Council has backed calls for a national day of remembrance for the people who have lost their lives due to the covid pandemic.

A notice of motion at the Full Council meeting was proposed by County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson and seconded by County Councillor Michael Green.

The notice, which was backed unanimously by the county councillors, said: “The council extends its sympathies and condolences to all our residents and families who have lost loved ones in the covid-19 pandemic.

“Council commends everyone across the county, including many of our own staff, who have stepped forward during the last twelve months to provide help, assistance and support to all in our community in such difficult times.

“In doing so, this council supports the efforts of South Ribble resident Rachael Lidgett’s campaign to mark March 23rd as a day of national remembrance of all those who have died as a result of covid-19.”

Rachael, who lost her father to covid, has created a petition to encourage the creation of a national day of remembrance on 23 March, to coincide with the anniversary of the first national lockdown.

Councillor Tomlinson said: “I am delighted that the county council agreed to get behind Rachael’s petition. She should be commended for her work to turn a family tragedy into something positive to remember people who are no longer with us due to covid. We’re asking people to join us in supporting her petition.”

Councillor Green said: “Our condolences go to all residents and their families who have lost someone dear to them during this pandemic.

“We also commend Lancashire’s keyworkers, businesses and all of our county council staff for everything they have been doing to support our Lancashire community during the past 12 months. This includes keeping valuable services going and sometimes stepping outside their normal day-to-day duties.”

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Rachael’s petition is available online at here.