The councillors and officers of Rochdale Borough Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.
Flags outside several civic buildings in all parts of the borough have been lowered to half-mast.
Books of condolence are being opened at Number One Riverside in Rochdale, Middleton Arena, Heywood Phoenix Centre and Littleborough Library.
A link to the Buckingham Palace e-book of condolence is available on the council’s website.
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.”
Steve Rumbelow, chief executive of the council, said: “The Queen has been a constant in almost everybody’s lives and we are greatly saddened at her passing. On behalf of all officers of the council I would like to express my sympathies to the royal family and thank Her Majesty for her loyal service and dedication to our nation and the Commonwealth.”
