A MONUMENT recognising the work of key workers and volunteers during the pandemic could be erected in Swindon.

The idea is set to be put forward at Thursday’s full council meeting by Labour councillor Imtiyaz Sheikh - and coun Carol Shelley will support the move.

If plans are approved, it would be on public land and a "public subscription fund" would be created to meet the cost.

The councillors said: “The Covid pandemic has had a devastating impact on the Country, and here in Swindon.

“Thousands of key workers and volunteers in Swindon have risked their lives and given their best to support and serve others in our town.”

Several authorities are raising monuments as a way to mark this service - with Barnsley Council unveiling a £210,000 sculpture last November.

The seven-figure bronze piece included a police officer, an elderly man and a young girl.

The motion for the monument in Swindon will be the first put forward at Thursday’s full borough council meeting.

On the agenda, it says: “This Council requests that the Leader of the Council consults with interested groups to agree a suitable design and location for a monument to Swindon key workers and volunteers to be installed on public land, with a public subscription fund to be created to fully meet the cost.”

Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh, who is putting forward the motion, worked very closely with Public Health England during the pandemic.

He and his family also set up a foodbank from his house in order to support those most in need during the difficult times.

Coun Shailk said: “I realised how much covid has actually affected us, and globally the outlook has changed. We have lost so many doctors, nurses and other key workers who supported the public, and I want us to build a monument to recognise the superheroes who have lost their lives or are still with us”.

Some of the suggestions from Adver readers on where this monument could be placed include in the town centre by the Metro Bank (Regent Street), and Town Gardens, Queens Park.

Another popular suggestion on Facebook was placing the monument outside Great Western Hospital, or by Coate Water Park.

Swindon Advertiser: Nurses from the nearby St Thomas' hospital sit atop the National Covid Memorial Wall in London. Picture: AP Photo/Frank Augstein.Nurses from the nearby St Thomas' hospital sit atop the National Covid Memorial Wall in London. Picture: AP Photo/Frank Augstein.

Several readers suggested that instead of erecting monuments for key workers, consideration should be given to paying them more.

When asked where it could go, Nicola Botley said: "In their wages".

Pete Shipp added: "How about using the money to give them all a decent pay rise instead? How is a monument going to stop our underpaid key workers having to use foodbanks, despite doing a vital job?" Joanne Reeves agreed, saying: "A pay rise would be much more appreciated."

Another said: "I think rather than spend thousands on a monument invest that money back in to the services that worked the pandemic and campaign to have their working rights and pay improved!"