THE Mayor of Colchester has described the late Queen Elizabeth as “an exceptional person” following her death at the age of 96.
Councillor Tim Young has expressed his deep sadness after Her Majesty died in Balmoral after reigning for 70 years.
In honour of Her Royal Highness, flags on Colchester Town Hall and Colchester Castle will now be lowered to half-mast.
Books of Condolence are also being opened at the Town Hall, Mercury Theatre and St. Peter’s Church in North Hill.
These will give residents the opportunity to pay their respects and send messages of sympathy, and people will be also able to leave floral tributes at the War Memorial.
Mayor Young said: “On behalf of the people of Colchester, I would like to express my most profound sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, and to convey our deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family at this difficult time.
“Queen Elizabeth has been a loyal servant to this country and has touched the hearts of millions of people, not just in the United Kingdom but throughout the Commonwealth and across the globe. She was an exceptional person who devoted her life to her family, her nation, and the Commonwealth.
“Her Majesty visited Colchester on many occasions, including in 1985 when she attended a lunch in our Town Hall. Whenever she visited, she was greeted by thousands of well-wishers.
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"I am sure that the people of Colchester will wish to join me in reflection on this sad and momentous occasion, by signing the Book of Condolence and placing floral tributes at the town's War Memorial.”
The Books of Condolence will be open from between Monday and Saturday, 9am until 6pm at the Town Hall, and between Monday and Sunday, 9am to 6pm at the Mercury.
St. Peter’s Church will be open from Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2pm, with a short service at 1pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm.
The Books of Condolence will be open until the day after the funeral and the books will later be stored in the town archives as a lasting memorial.
An online Book of Condolence will also be available at www.colchester.gov.uk/condolence
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