Leaders of Shropshire Council today express their sadness at death of Queen

Leaders of Shropshire Council today express their deep sadness at the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, said: "I would like to express huge sadness on the death of our much loved and respected Queen.  She has been the longest reigning monarch in British history. We will miss her for the sense of continuity and stability she has given us during a time of rapid social, cultural and technological change.

"We have enjoyed her dignified manner and the love given to her people for all the years of her reign.  It is with deep affection and admiration we remember her, but now we have to look forward to the reign of a new monarch."

Councillor Vince Hunt, Chairman of Shropshire Council, said: "Please know that our whole county, and all of us at Shropshire Council, are deeply saddened by the news of the death of HM The Queen. The people of Shropshire are in mourning and their thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.

"We know that many people will want to express their sadness by laying flowers and we will share venue details soon. Books of condolence will also be available to sign in various public places across the county and Union flags will be flown at half-mast."

Councillor Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council, said: "I am profoundly saddened by the news of the death of HM The Queen. On behalf of all of us at Shropshire Council, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family at this very sad time.  The Queen was a remarkable monarch, who dedicated her entire life to the betterment and service of our country and its people.

"Her wise leadership and graciousness will be remembered by all.  I know the people of Shropshire will join us in mourning and offer their sincere condolences during this time."

Andy Begley, chief executive of Shropshire Council, said: "It is with great sadness that we hear of the death HM The Queen. Her Majesty was a much loved and treasured monarch and there is no doubt that her wisdom and devotion were an enduring source of strength and comfort for many of us. On behalf of Shropshire Council's employees, I offer my deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family.

"A period of mourning for HM The Queen will now take place and members of the public can pay their respects and take part in events that mark not just a sad passing, but a profound moment in history."

Books of condolence are open across Shropshire so people can pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, whose death was announced to the nation yesterday evening.

These give Shropshire residents the opportunity to pay their respects to The Queen and share their thoughts, feelings and memories about her 70-year reign.

Books of condolence are open at the following locations from 9.30am today (Friday 9 September). Libraries will be open until 6pm today, and 9am-6pm during weekdays next week,  throughout the period of mourning:

• Bridgnorth Library
• Ludlow Library
• Mayor's Parlour, The Castle, Shrewsbury
• Market Drayton Library
• Oswestry Library
• Shrewsbury Library
• Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury
• Shrewsbury Museum, Shrewsbury
• Whitchurch Library

Books of condolences will also be available at a number of town and parish councils and churches in Shropshire.

Alternatively, you can sign the national online condolence book at www.royal.uk

Those who do not have access to the internet or are not able to go to a location to sign a book of condolence, can send handwritten messages or cards to be addressed to Chair of Shropshire Council, Democratic Services, Shirehall, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND. These will be placed in the books of condolences.

We know many people will want to express their sadness by laying flowers. Floral tributes can be made at Shrewsbury Castle as well as many other local locations across the county.

The first floral tributes were laid this morning by The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire Anna Turner and she was joined by Chairman of the Council Vince Hunt and Leader of the Council Lezley Picton in signing the Book of Condolence there.

The Lord-Lieutenant, the Chairman, the Leader, and Shropshire Council's chief executive Andy Begley lead the tributes to Her Majesty, which can be read in full here.