Tributes have been paid across Knowsley and Sefton following the death of the Queen.
Condolence books opened in both boroughs, as the leader of Knowsley Council, Cllr Graham Morgan, spoke of his “great sadness” at the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Monarch passed away yesterday (September 8) aged 96 surrounded by family at Balmoral.
Cllr Morgan said: “I’m sure many people will share a great sadness at the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. She was a truly remarkable individual who led this country with dedication for 70 years. Her leadership with be greatly missed. My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.”
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Knowsley civic mayor, Cllr Eddie Connor, said: “While the entire country unites in its grief, we reflect on the Queen’s many years of dedication and service. The longest reigning monarch in our history, she was a truly inspirational woman and an internationally admired figurehead.
“She will be sadly missed by many and not just those who had the privilege to meet her during her life.”
Yesterday, Knowsley Council announced the Union Flag would be flown at half mast at Huyton Municipal Buildings, the Kirkby Centre and Prescot Registry. The Greystone Bridge over the M62 will also be illuminated purple during the official mourning period.
Knowsley Council have now opened a book of condolence for residents of the borough to pay their tributes to the Queen.
The book of condolence is available at the Knowsley News website, where people can leave their comments and memories of the country’s longest serving monarch. It will also be available at Knowsley Libraries and Prescot Registrars for those who wish to pay tribute.
Sefton Council’s mayor Cllr Clare Carragher has also paid tribute to the Queen.
Cllr Carragher said: “It is with great sadness we have announced the death of Her Majesty the Queen. There will be an official ten days of mourning and during this period I am sure most of us will reflect on her wonderful life and think of any lasting memories of Her Majesty who was a great monarch and highly regarded across the world.
“While we all deal with loss differently, we can remember the Queen fondly and look back at the many occasions she visited our wonderful borough and touched the lives of so many.
“She officially made numerous visits to Sefton including a stop off in Bootle and Crosby in October 1954 and a tour of Lancashire which included a motor cavalcade driving through Southport in April, 1955.
“The Grand National at Aintree was attended by the Queen in March, 1956 and it wasn’t until December, 1962 that the Monarch returned to Bootle.
“Further visits to Bootle were recorded in June 1977 as part of her Silver Jubilee Tour and also in May 1993 when the Queen visited Bootle Town Hall commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.
“Prior to that Her Majesty the Queen spent time in Southport in June, 1985 which included a visit to Altcar Training Camp.
“I’m sure so many people will remember these visits to Sefton with great fondness and contentment.”
A book of condolence was signed by the mayor this morning at 11.30am at Bootle Town Hall. The book will be available for signing for those who want to pay tribute at Bootle Town Hall and the Atkinson in Southport. The books will be collated and archived.
Both venues will be open from 9am to 5pm today, September 9 for visitors to sign the book. A queuing system may be put in place in the event of large crowds.
Sefton Council has also said that people can leave the condolences in an online book of remembrance which will be made available by Buckingham Palace.
Condolence cards will also be available from Sefton libraries and family wellbeing centres which can be filled in and returned to the centres or posted to either of Sefton’s town halls. These will also be collated and stored.
Floral tributes can be laid by members of the public at designated areas outside Bootle Town Hall and Princess Diana memorial gardens on Lord Street in Southport.
In addition, two official readings of the Proclamation of the New Sovereign will be held in Sefton, and these will start at approximately 1pm at the Oriel Road entrance of Bootle Town Hall and 2.30pm from the steps of Southport Town Hall on Sunday, September 11.
Comments have been turned off for this article but you can leave your tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in this online memorial.
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