A MEMORIAL could be created in Tranent to mark the death of town residents from the coronavirus.

At least nine residents are believed to have died at Tranent Care Home since the beginning of the month.

The news hit Grant Redpath, of Tranent Pet Supplies, hard.

The 43-year-old decided to try to drum up support to ensure those who died at the care home, on the town’s Coal Neuk Court, and others in the town who had passed away due to Covid-19, were not forgotten.

He said: “The idea just came about because of the folk that had passed away in the home. I was absolutely devastated.

“I don’t have any family there at all but the thought of people being left there has been really upsetting and I think we need to remember that.”

Public restrictions have also limited people from attending the funerals of loved ones.

Across Scotland, the number of deaths related to Covid-19 tops more than 1,332.

Last week, National Records of Scotland (NRS) said that one in four of the deaths involving coronavirus took place in care homes.

Mr Redpath stressed it was important that those who lost their lives were not forgotten.

He took to social media to gauge public opinion about the idea of some kind of memorial and received an overwhelmingly positive response. Mr Redpath was keen to see either a large memorial stone, potentially featuring the names of those who have died, or a plaque created to remember those who passed away.

It remains to be seen where the memorial could be created, with consideration being given to the town’s Civic Square or Polson Park, where there are already plans for a Garden of Reflection.

Paula Waugh, an office bearer for Dementia Friendly Tranent, which is leading the plans for the Garden of Reflection, was planning to meet with Mr Redpath to discuss the plans further.

She said: “There is an avenue there and it is up for discussion now.”

Councillor Colin McGinn, who represents the town on East Lothian Council, agreed the idea was worth considering further.

He said: “I think it is probably indicative of the way a lot of people are thinking.

“There are some really good ideas coming from the community saying how we recognise this.

“It is probably too early to get a decision made right away but it is something as a community we have got to look at.”

To support the cause, you can donate via gofundme.com/f/2gqra5-dont-forget-us.

Mr Redpath is also planning to collect money at his business on the town’s Haddington Road.

 

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