COUNTY Hall bosses have pledged to help create a permanent memorial to the victims of Covid-19.

A total of 1,415 people had died in Essex up to October 2.

Essex County Council agreed to explore ways of creating a public memorial through public subscription or other means of funding.

The motion, passed at a meeting of full council last week said: “This council recognises the enormous toll this current pandemic has had on every resident in Essex and the devastating loss of family members for many.

“Therefore, we are committed to exploring ways of creating a permanent memorial, or memorials across the county, to all those hundreds of residents in Essex, who have tragically lost their lives due to Covid-19.

“Such a memorial will ensure that those who have died from the virus will never be forgotten. The council therefore resolves that the chairman of the county council should consult with representatives of our public services and communities to explore ways of creating a public memorial through public subscription or other means of funding.”