Mayor leads Rotherham tributes after death of the Queen

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Tajamal Khan, led tributes after it was announced Her Majesty had died aged 96.

“On behalf of Rotherham Council, I wish to express my extreme sadness at the announcement of the death of Her Majesty The Queen,” he said.

Official flags were being flown at half-mast at Rotherham Town Hall and at Riverside House following the news.

Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years and was succeeded by Prince Charles, who becomes King Charles III, came to Rotherham several times, including one notable trip to Silverwood Colliery and a flying visit to Maltby Comprehensive School in 1977.

Official Books of Condolence will be opened to the public from today at Rotherham Town Hall and Riverside House, and flowers can be laid at Rotherham Minster, if people wish to do so.

RMBC asked well-wishers to remove plastic wrapping to avoid causing extra waste and said flowers laid at other locations would be transferred to the Minster overnight.

Personal condolences can also be recorded at www.rotherham.gov.uk from today.

Cllr Khan said: “As a mark of respect, it has been agreed that both the Deputy Mayor and I will be suspending our programme of official engagements until further notice and will notify those affected, with our apologies.”