Town beauty spot chosen for home of touching memorial

A NUNEATON beauty spot has been chosen to home a touching new memorial.

Hartshill Hayes Country Park will house a special memorial for those killed in road traffic collisions in Warwickshire.

Its exact location has yet to be announced, but the concept design has been revealed. It is hoped that it will be in place by 2023.

Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership hope the permanent memorial will offer anyone affected by a road traffic collision a peaceful location where they can go to remember their loved one, friend or relative.

Sadly, in 2021 alone, 15 people in Warwickshire lost their lives in an accident on the roads and 215 people were seriously injured. The design for the memorial has been released ahead of a special service to commemorate World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday.

The plans can also be viewed at the service at Mary’s Church in Warwick from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. The church will open to provide the opportunity for anyone who would like to light a candle and take some time for silent reflection.

Open to all faiths, the service, led by Canon Peter Holliday, will start at 3pm and last around an hour.

Lead Chaplain for Warwickshire Police, Matthew Hopley, said “The death of a loved one isn’t something we move on from, rather the grief moves with us. We adapt to live with grief and the feelings of sorrow and loss, yet we choose to be intentional in how we honour our loved one’s life and legacy. As we collectively gather to remember those precious to us, we find comfort and seek a brighter hope for tomorrow.

“You are invited to the service of remembrance as we personally and collectively honour their lives. The service is open to everyone of any faith or of non-belief, all are welcome.”

Philip Seccombe, Police and Crime Commissioner and chair of Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership, added: “We will never forget those people whose lives have been lost or changed forever on our roads and that’s why establishing a permanent memorial for road traffic victims in Warwickshire is so important.

“We hope this will also provide a location for a multi faith memorial service next year.

“If all goes to plan, the memorial will be in place by summer 2023.”