Commemorative trees will be planted in Harrow as “a lasting memory” to those from the borough who have died from Covid-19.

Cllr Nitin Parekh (Lab, Edgware), the Mayor of Harrow, confirmed the council will plant 21 trees – one to represent each ward – to acknowledge the impact of the pandemic on the community.

More than 630 Harrow residents have died in relation to Covid-19 – the third-highest mortality rate in London.

Cllr Parekh said: “Over the past year, Covid has affected all of us and many residents have suffered from this terrible disease.

“Sadly, some have lost their lives and, to commemorate these, we are going to plant 21 trees later this year.”

He passed his condolences on to those “grieving the loss of friends, family or colleagues” and paid tribute to the work of council officers, the NHS and volunteers who are leading the response to Covid-19.

Cllr Graham Henson (Lab, Roxbourne), the leader of Harrow Council, joined Cllr Parekh in honouring those who have died from Covid-19.

“[In Harrow], 637 lives have been tragically lost, family members have not been able to properly mourn and they are still struggling to come to terms with their grief,” he said.

“I therefore fully support the mayor’s announcement that we will plant 21 trees in Harrow – a lasting memory to all those affected by Covid-19.”

Both the mayor and the council leader welcomed the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine programme, noting there is “light at the end of the tunnel” following months of heightened pressure on services.

But they reminded people to remain vigilant when following guidance relayed by the Government and the council in relation to tackling the virus.