Local towns pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Towns of Bury and Rochdale are paying tribute to Her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral yesterday afternoon. 

Flags are being flown at half-past at public buildings across Bury & Rochdale, with books of condolence expected to be opened this morning. 

Councillor Shaheena Haroon, Mayor of Bury said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen Elizabeth II, and I know that my sadness will be shared across Bury. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.

"Her Majesty was our longest-reigning monarch and gave a lifetime of service to the people of the country.

"Our borough flags will be flown at half-mast and books of condolence opened for the Bury community to visit and share their feelings at this sad time.

"There will be opportunities in the near future for the people of our town to come together and offer comfort to one another. For now, my thoughts are with all those who are deeply affected by Her Majesty’s sad passing."

Rochdale Council leader, Councillor Neil Emmott, said: “There is a profound sadness across the nation and will be for some considerable time following the death of our longest serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her glorious and steadfast reign she was devoted to her duties and was the very best of us. 

“Like everyone else in our borough, I was in awe of Her Majesty’s selflessness and enduring commitment to her public duty. I was present when The Queen opened Hopwood Hall College’s Middleton campus in 1992 and will always remember the great admiration she inspired in everyone who was there.

“On behalf of the council and the borough of Rochdale, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to The Queen’s family at this very difficult time.”