Memorial to virus victims planned

AN ARTIST’S impression has been unveiled of how a new memorial garden at Llanelli Crematorium to remember people who have died during the coronavirus pandemic will look.

Westerleigh Group, the UK’S largest independent owner-operator of crematoria and cemeteries, has announced its intention to create a memorial garden at each of its 34 sites across the country, including Llanelli.

Claire Sourbutts, site manager, said: “The new garden will be a tranquil place for people to visit and remember loved ones who died during the pandemic, and to pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much to help others who were sick, isolated or vulnerable.

“The centrepiece of each garden will be a stone monument surrounded by a floral arrangement representing a rainbow, which has become a symbol of hope during the pandemic.

“Our rainbows will be created using the vibrant colours of Begonias, Petunias and Geraniums.”

Work is expected to begin on the stone memorials in the autumn with garden landscaping taking place in early Spring 2021.

Claire and her team at Llanellil Crematorium are now looking to identify the best location within the grounds for the garden, which is expected to open mid-to-late spring next year.

She added: “It will be a special place where people can remember and reflect on the loved ones they have lost, and give thanks to the wonderful way that the NHS, key workers and whole communities pulled together during this unprecedented crisis.”