A REPORT that is likely to shape how Bradford remembers its residents who died of Covid 19 has been submitted to Government.

The UK Commission on Covid Commemoration has been looking at the best way for the country to remember those that have died of the virus since 2020.

Last week it submitted its final report to Government, although details of the report’s contents have yet to be released.

It is likely to shape any national guidance.

Bradford Council carried out a consultation locally last year asking residents whether they would like to see memorials to those that died.

Although feedback was collected, and a report into that consultation was produced, the Council says “it was agreed to wait until national guidance was issued by the UK Commission on COVID Commemorations before taking further action.”

Over 900 people responded to the Bradford consultation – 55 per cent of which opposed any memorials in the District.

Of those who were in favour of memorials, most said they would prefer a commemorative park or lighting up a civic building rather than a statue or art feature.

The Council findings said: “The most common reason given by respondents who said they opposed memorials was because of the cost. Other respondents saw them as inappropriate and worried that they would prevent residents from moving on from the pandemic.”

The response from one consultee when asked if the Council should provide a memorial was “Spend your money on filling potholes, solving homelessness, anti-social behaviour. The list is endless.”