Councillors agreed that the town centre's Community Garden would be a perfect location for the development of a new Garden of Reflection.

Following the tragic death of Tom Jackson, Congleton Town Council were asked by family and friends if it was feasible to create a garden where they could visit and reflect Tom's life.

From ideas from family and friends, the town council decided to put forward a design for a Garden of Reflection, not just for Tom, but other residents of Congleton who have lost a member of their family through tragic circumstances.

The current Garden of Reflection is located on land on West Road adjacent to New Life Church where there is currently a plaque in remembrance of Tom Jackson.

There have been some minor anti-social behaviour issues associated with the current location due to it not being openly visible to members of the public and not in an area that has a high footfall, as a result, the town council has had to make repairs to the site on several occasions.

Congleton Town Council felt that the garden would be "better suited" in a more central and visible location within the heart of Congleton and felt this could be achieved by transferring/developing a Garden of Reflection within the Community Garden, adjacent to the recently refurbished cenotaph and the new "Tree of Light" which are both under the ownership of the town council.

The town council has spoken to the parents of Tom Jackson who are happy with this proposal to relocate the garden, they have also spoken to a family who have recently lost their child through tragic circumstances.

Both families are supportive of this proposal as they felt it was a more "suitable location" for families and friends to come and visit the garden to reflect on the lives of their loved ones.

Speaking at Thursday's Congleton Town Council meeting of Town Hall Assets and Services Committee, Cllr Sally Ann Holland supported the "great initiative".

The Town Mayor felt that there had been a number of "tragedies" during the coronavirus pandemic and the Garden of Reflection may offer "comfort" for families who had not come forward.

Cllr David Brown thought it was a "fantastic idea" to bring the garden into the town centre and with it being near the cenotaph and Tree of Light, it would bring "everything together".

David McGifford, chief officer of the town council, said that it was important to state a clear criteria for the garden is in place, which could include tragic deaths, unexpected bereavements and pillars of the community who served the community for many years, to make people aware of what the garden is being used for.

The basic components of the project could be financed via the Streetscape budget, the town council would be moving the current planters and wooden bear carving from the previous site to the new site.

It was also proposed that future named stones for the garden would be smaller and affordable for families who wished to utilise the area.

Councillors supported the proposals and designs of the garden will be brought to future meetings.