Following the very sad news that His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has died, The Mayor of Todmorden Cllr Ruth Coleman-Taylor said
“On behalf of the Residents of Todmorden and Todmorden Town Council, we are deeply saddened to hear of his death and extend our thoughts and sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at this time.
At the Council meeting due to be held on the 14th April 2021 we will show our mark of respect by the holding of a minutes silence before the meeting commences.”
In line with national guidance the Town Council will not be opening a physical book of condolence. The Royal Family has set up a digital book of condolence for members of the public to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh which can be accessed via https://www.royal.uk/condolence.
National guidance, and the Royal Family, advises the public not to lay flowers, but an alternative for the public may be to make donations if they so wish to do so.
The Town Council understands the enormous financial pressures that the current situation is placing on some people and nobody should feel obliged to donate.
The Town Council recognises that the preservation of life and the care and well-being of the living must take precedence over acts of mourning and the remembrance of those who have died, and hence the need for our limited response to this sad event.
When restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so, there will be opportunities to come together to reflect, and mourn but also remember the extraordinary dedication and contribution His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh made to public life.
Letters of Condolence from the Town Mayor:
Letter to the Private Secretary to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh