Plans unveiled for a 'Hope Bell' to honour the victims of Covid-19 in Loughborough

It would be part of a clock chime installation with four smaller bells, all made by Taylor’s Bell Foundry in the town.

The bell could potentially be located in Queen's Park and would commemorate the lives lost to Covid-19, honour key workers who have helped battle the pandemic and be a symbol of hope for the future.

The Loughborough Town Deal Board, comprising organisations from across the town, has put forward the proposal as part of a multi-million bid for Government funding.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, co-chair of the Town Deal Board and leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on our community and we want to create something that could act as a focal point for remembrance and reflection while also being a symbol of hope.

 “We also want to create something that is uniquely connected to our area and Loughborough has been synonymous with bells for hundreds of years.”

The Hope Bell installation could cost around £150,000 and work would be needed on the area it would sit in. Public subscription is being considered to fund aspects of the project.

Various options are being considered but the Hope Bell could weigh up to a tonne and it is not anticipated it would be installed until 2022.

Michael Wilby, managing director of John Taylor and Co bellfoundry, said:  “Having made the carillon as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the Great War, 100 years later we are honoured to be asked to cast another bell to commemorate those who lost their lives to the pandemic.”