A reflection and remembrance area dedicated to people who lost loved ones to Covid has opened in Barrow Park.

The space was officially inaugurated last week by Councillor Bill McEwan, the local ward member for Ormsgill and Parkside at the Westmorland and Furness Council, accompanied by Councillor Judith McEwan, mayor of Barrow, and representatives from community groups involved in developing the area.

A collective initiative by the former Barrow Borough Council and funded by the former Cumbria County Council, the area serves as a peaceful spot for those who lost their loved ones to the pandemic.

It houses a 'tree of life' mosaic located at the foot of two benches, flanked by circular planters filled with symbolic herbs.

They include fennel for everlasting love, rosemary for remembrance, lemon balm symbolising sympathy and virtue, and lavender for devotion.

The benches are enclosed by a hedge of crab apple trees donated and planted by the Barrow Rotary Club.

Councillor Bill McEwan, ward member for Ormsgill and Parkside at the Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “This is a truly special space which I hope brings comfort to people as they sit in quiet reflection.

“The Covid pandemic was a difficult time for many, especially for those who experienced the loss of a loved one.

“The time, effort and love that has gone into this memorial area gives me a great sense of pride for our community of Barrow and I’d like to say a heartfelt thanks to every single person who has been involved with this project.

“It is important to us as a council that we support and involve our local community groups, and by working in partnership with them we have created a poignant and welcoming place of reflection.”