MEMORIAL FOR BLITZ VICTIMS

A MEMORIAL to remember civilians that died during the Coventry Blitz is being planned as a key part of the rebuilding of the city centre.

Coventry City Council have announced plans for the city’s first memorial to the universal suffering of ordinary Coventrians who experienced the Blitz by Nazi bombers on November 14, 1940.

The aim is for a high-profile sculpture, as significant as the Lady Godiva statue in Broadgate, to be build around the Bullyard area of the city centre.

It would be part of the £1bn regeneration plan drawn up by US architects Jerde.

The idea has come from Conservative Councillor Gary Ridley, who said that neither of the city’s two Second World War memorials mark the suffering of all ordinary civilians.

The cabinet member for city development said: “I can understand why in the 1950s nothing was done because the issue was too sensitive for people to think about.

“We now have an excellent opportunity to build a city centre fit for the 21st century, but also to recognise what took place all those years ago.

“It needs to be something quite big, not a plaque that people will just end up walking past and might get pulled down in another city regeneration scheme, but something permanent like the Lady Godiva statue.

“The Bullyard area was one of the worst-hit during the Blitz which is why it would be a fitting place for the memorial.

“It would provide a sense of continuity and community for past, present and future generations.

“But it’s up to the people of Coventry to come forward and tell us what they want, and I want people who lived through it to play a part too.”

Early next year residents will be invited to share their thoughts and ideas on a memorial and its exact location for an artist to work to.

The public will then be asked to choose a favourite design from a shortlist.

Cllr Ridley added: “If people have an idea about what they would like to see then I would welcome them to come see me in the Council House and share their ideas.”

What do you think? Write to Times Letters, Coventry Times, Times Series, Corporation Street, Coventry, CV1 1FP or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.