Paying Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Books of condolence have been opened to enable residents of South Tyneside to pay their respects following the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

The books are now available for people to sign every day at:

• South Shields Town Hall between 8.30am and 7pm;
• Jarrow Town Hall between 8.30am and 7pm;
• Hebburn Central during normal opening hours;
• The Word in South Shields during normal opening hours.

The books will close at 6pm theday after the funeral.

People who are unable to visit a venue to sign can contribute a message via email at memorialbook@southtyneside.gov.uk There is also an opportunity to sign an e-book of condolence on the Royal Family's official website at www.royal.uk

Floral tributes can also be left by the Queen Victoria statue outside South Shields Town Hall.

As a mark of respect, arrangements are being made of a Letter of Condolence to be sent by the Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Pat Hay, to the Royal Family on behalf of the people of South Tyneside.

South Shields Town Hall is being lit purple for the duration of the mourning period.

Union flags are currently flying at half-mast on key council buildings and will be flown in line with national protocol.

The Mayor will read the local proclamation on the steps of South Shields Town Hall at 3pm, on Sunday 11 September.

The Mayor said: "The loss of the country's longest-serving monarch has been the cause of much sadness across the Borough and beyond.

"At this time of national mourning, these books will allow people to pay their respects and personal tributes to the Queen who has served her country with such selfless devotion.

"The Queen was part of the fabric of the nation.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this extremely sad time."

As a mark of respect, the Mayoress at Home, which was due to take place today (Friday 9 September) and the town tours scheduled for Wednesday 15 to Friday 16 September (as part of Heritage Open Days) have been cancelled.

The Council will consider whether scheduled meetings will go ahead on a case by case basis. Other Council services such as leisure centres and libraries will continue to operate as normal.

The Mayor said: "A page has turned in our country's history with the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

"The Queen has been a steadying influence for our nation, reigning for 70 years, and her death marks a new era in our country's history.

"We appreciate that her passing has left its mark on the Borough so it is fitting that we come together in our communities to mark this sad occasion."

For further information visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk