Peace vigil follows Paris terror attacks

The Peace and Unity vigil, which was organised by Coun. Mohammad Hanif and County Coun. Azhar Ali, was a great success. Despite the weather conditions, individuals from all over Pendle attended, especially from Blacko, Colne, Barrowford, Nelson, Brierfield and the surrounding villages.

A one-minute silence was observed, followed by lighting of candles. Participants were also encouraged to introduce themselves to others in the gathering who they had not met before.

Coun. Hanif said: “It was good to see people from both sides of the community getting to know each other. I hope that what can come out of these tragic events will be that people recognise the need for us all to work together harder for community harmony.

“I have been inundated by telephone calls from across Pendle giving positive feedback and showing solidarity with the cause.”

And he continued: “We might not be able to change the world, but we can definitely make Pendle a better place to live in. It was a very good turn-out and I would like to thank everyone for attending – even when it was snowing outside!”

County Coun. Ali, who is Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Pendle, said: “There are those who want to create a climate of hate and division: we must not allow them to succeed. They are wrong. We now have a duty to say to all those who hate our freedom to discuss and to debate – you will never, ever, win.”