Lee Rigby: Community united in sadness

Drummer Lee Rigby

Rochdale Borough Council is planning on providing a "lasting tribute" to Drummer Lee Rigby which is "befitting to his memory and bravery", and is encouraging residents to "pay their respects" by lining the streets of Bury on Friday 12 July, the day on which Drummer Rigby will receive a military funeral at a private service in Bury.

Rochdale Council Leader Colin Lambert said: “On behalf of the whole Rochdale community, our thoughts and prayers are with Lee Rigby’s family at this very difficult time.

"We are united in sadness at this tragic event and would like to offer our sincere condolences.

“This is why we are planning, along with the family, to provide a lasting tribute to Lee which is befitting to his memory and bravery.

“Lee’s family will be holding a private family funeral in Bury next Friday. We ask that the community respect the family’s privacy at this time and allow them space to grieve.

“We would encourage those residents who would like to pay their respects to line the streets of Bury on Friday or sign one of the books of condolence.”

Residents who would like to pay their respects to Lee can sign the book of condolence in one of the following locations:

• Middleton Library 
• Middleton Arena (closed on Friday 12 July) 
• Rochdale Town Hall 
• Pay tribute online in the book of condolence at http://www.rochdale.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=16334
• Lay flowers at Middleton Gardens

Rochdale Council Armed Forces Champion, Alan McCarthy, said: "I welcome the Council Leader Colin Lambert`s announcement that a lasting tribute 'befitting to the memory and bravery' of Lee Rigby is to be built.

"The death of Lee Rigby was traumatic and devastating news to the whole nation and as the Armed Forces Champion for the borough I am of the firm view that any memorial erected should be reflective in size so that to the Nation of our great country it is seen as a national monument.

"It should in my view, be clearly be seen by all passing through our area and sited accordingly, but this would obviously be a matter for consultation.

"Cllr Colin Lambert has my firm support in delivering a fitting monument for Drummer Lee Rigby."