‘We stand firmly with Manchester’
MACCLESFIELD’S mayor has led messages of sympathy, support and solidarity for Manchester and the victims of the terror attack.
Councillor Beverley Dooley said the town would stand side by side with the city in the wake of the tragedy.
She said: “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Manchester and the families affected in whatever way, be that injury, death, or just the experience of being there, which must have been terrifying. We stand with them firmly.”
Macclesfield Town Hall is flying the Union Flag at half mast as a mark of respect. Others joined the outpouring of sympathy after the attack including parliamentary candidates David Rutley, Neil Puttick and Mark Johnson, who all live in the town.
In a joint statement the leaders of all political parties of Cheshire East Council said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones and the injured, all their families and all those affected by this dreadful event.
“We stand behind the people of Manchester and join them in their con- demnation of this appalling terrorist attack.
“We support the messages this morning from the elected mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham and city council leader Sir Richard Leese, stating that Manchester is a great city which has experienced dark days in the past and whose people have pulled together to defeat terrorism. In Cheshire East, all council buildings will fly flags at half-mast and we would urge all businesses that have their own flags to do the same. Staff from our schools’ support team are contacting all schools in the borough to ascertain if any pupils or staff were at the concert at the Manchester Arena and are offering support, if required.
“We would also urge our residents in Cheshire East to remain vigilant, wherever they are, at railway stations, sports stadiums and public places in particular and to follow the advice of the police to report any suspicious activity to them.”
Cheshire Police has increased patrols in Macclesfield and the wider county to reassure residents.
Assistant chief constable Darren Martland said: “The thoughts of everyone at Cheshire Constabulary are very much with all those affected by the devastating events in Manchester last night.
“We are working closely with our communities, providing extra patrols for visibility and reassurance, and co-operating with any national requirements for support.”