Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has supported its inclusion in a 'national day of reflection' on the Covid pandemic next year.

The day would see new trees and a bench being given to the town.

The day is scheduled for March 22 and North West Leicestershire District Council has asked Ashby to be a part of it.

Councillors at the Parks and Recreation Committee this month were shown some examples of how the town might get involved.

And one was inspired by a community group in Donisthorpe which has installed rainbow benches in memory of those who have lost their lives to Covid over the past 18 months and beyond.

The district council has also encouraged the planting of trees in the town - and Blackfordby.

Cllr David Bigby offered his support and said: "I think it's a great idea.

"We should take advantage of this offer of a bench and a tree.

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"I like the idea of a bench made of recycled plastic as I am concerned that the ones we have installed are deteriorating rapidly.

"These sort of benches wouldn't need the regular maintenance which adds to the expense.

"I move that we respond positively."

Cllr Jim Hoult added: "We should have one at the top of Burton Road hill, it's a bit of a long trawl up there.

"Can we ask the district council to put it on their land?"

Committee chair Cllr Mike Ball said: "If we're a large parish, then we can ask for more than one tree."

Cllr Gill Hoult said: "If it's a place of reflection, I'm not sure I'd want to be doing it by a main road, I'd rather it was a peaceful place."

Cllr Graham Allman added: "I like the idea but I think it's a bit premature."

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Cllr Bigby added that Blackfordby should also be included in any future acquisition of trees and a bench.