Reading council leader says it’s ‘ important that we stand united’

THE leader of Reading Borough Council has stressed the importance of the community standing together in the wake of the terror attack, and pledged to help build a permanent memorial.

Cllr Jason Brock has written a message expressing his shock over Saturday night’s incident in Forbury Gardens, which saw three people lose their lives and three more injured.

“Reading is a safe and peaceful town with a long and proud history of good community relations, and it will be more important than ever to stand by these local strengths,” he said.

“I know that many of you will feel uncertainty, apprehension and anger around what has happened – I feel this way.

“This makes it all the more important that we stand united.”

He also said that the memorial will be a place for people to pay their respects to James Furlong, Joe Ritchie- Bennett and David Wails who died during the attack.

“Reading Borough Council shares in the grief of people in our town, and around the world.

“We will work with the community and the families of the victims to find ways to mark what has happened, and to ensure there is a permanent memorial where people can pay their respects to those who lost their lives, and everyone affected by the tragic events on Saturday.

“As plans develop over the coming days and weeks we will share those details widely.”

He added: “I would like to reassure you that everything is being done to ensure Reading is as safe as ever, and please do not be put off from living life as you usually would in and around Reading.”