Book of condolence open and floral tributes welcomed at Ashfield District Council offices following death of Queen Elizabeth II

Ashfield District Council has announced it has opened a book of condolence for residents to sign following the death of the Queen.

It will be located at the reception of the council's offices in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

The Council issued the following statement across their social media platforms late last night: "Following the extremely sad news of The Queen's passing earlier today, a book of condolence will be available for residents to leave their own personal messages at the Council's Urban Road reception from Friday 9 September between 9.00-5.00pm."

They added: "If people would like to bring floral tributes to mark their respects throughout the day this would be very welcome."

Earlier this morning, at 9am, Council Leaders and dignitaries took part in a short wreath-laying ceremony.

Yesterday, shortly after the announcement of the Queen's passing the council issued a statement reacting to the news.

Chairman of Ashfield District Council, Councillor David Walters and Theresa Hodgkinson, CEO , said: "We are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of Ashfield District Council."

Council Leader Jason Zadrozny said: "On behalf of the residents of Ashfield, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Royal Family on the extremely sad news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. She truly was an inspirational figurehead.

"Ashfield District Council will immediately fly our flags at half-mast and in all our public buildings we will open books of condolence. This is devastating news – the Queen has been a constant in the lives of Ashfield residents for over 7 decades. 

"There will never be a Monarch like her.  In June, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated 70 years on the throne with her Platinum Jubilee. Ashfield came alive with dozens of street parties, beacon lightings and a whole host of events across our District. We will look at the best way to bring our communities together to mark the life of someone who has been a truly remarkable public servant."