The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on Workington looks set to be marked by a new memorial after plans were put forward to Allerdale Council.

Proposals for the ‘Nightingale' memorial statue in Vulcan Park have been submitted by Workington Town Council to the borough council and would feature a sculpture that has been donated to the town by firm R.A.F Engineering Limited.

There would also be stones incorporated which local children are being asked to paint to reflect displays which appeared in parks during the pandemic.

The borough council's website lists the earliest date for a decision on the application as June 23.

Councillor Will Wilkinson, who is the town's deputy mayor, first brought the idea forward and was pleased that work on the project was progressing.

He said: “It’s a garden for people to have some quiet reflection on what the pandemic has done.”

“What it wants to do is reflect on the period of the pandemic.

“It’s for everyone: our key workers, the people who have kept the country going, people who have lost family and friends.”

Rafal Gibki, managing director of R.A.F Engineering Limited, on Clay Flatts in the town, has gifted the statue to the people of Workington.

He said: “We chose to manufacture this monument to give something back to the community, allowing local people to remember the changes we have endured.

"This is something the company feels passionate about and we are pleased we were able to come up with such a reflective and impressive design.

"We wanted to make sure all the sacrifice was not forgotten, and we would also like to say a massive thank you for the support we have received as a business from the local community.”