Queen Elizabeth II: Tributes, reaction and live updates as the people of Lancashire join the nation in period of mourning

Coun David Howarth said: “It is with great sorrow that South Ribble Borough Council has today learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“As Mayor for South Ribble, I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Council and residents in our borough.

“Her Majesty has served our Nation and fellow Commonwealth Nations with tremendous honour and dignity, and it is with a heavy heart that we pay tribute today.

“We stand in condolence with those across the globe and do so with a sense of pride as we reflect on Her Majesty’s reign.

“For our residents who wish to pay their respects, a book of condolence will be available at the Civic Centre in Leyland - where floral tributes can also be laid.”

The Leader of Blackpool Council has today expressed her deepest condolences following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “All councillors, council staff and residents in Blackpool are deeply saddened at the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Her Majesty stood for many of the great things about this country, casting an image of strength, humility and kindness that went out across the globe.

“Locally, we have been extremely fortunate to welcome the Queen to the resort on various occasions, most recently on her visit to the Winter Gardens for the Royal Variety Performance in 2007.

“Not only was it a wonderful occasion enjoyed by all, but it was a fantastic opportunity to show The Queen what a fantastic show we were able to put on, which I hoped she enjoyed.

“To honour her life and reign, we will be flying the Union Flags on the Town Hall and at the top of The Blackpool Tower at half-mast.

“We have also opened condolence books for the public to sign in the Town Hall reception and at the Winter Gardens.

“Anybody who wishes to lay flowers or mementos is advised to do so at St John’s Square, due to the large number that we expect.

“This is a sad day and while the country is in a national state of mourning, every council business will continue as normal. We will review all council and mayoral events that are scheduled to take place over the period of mourning and assess which ones are appropriate and can go ahead.

“Following the period of mourning, I will be writing to the royal family to offer our deepest condolences from everybody in Blackpool.”

Condolence books are available to sign in Blackpool Town Hall between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, and at the Winter Gardens between 11am – 2.30pm every day.

Laying of flowers is being advised to take place at St John’s Square, where the expected large volume of tributes can be accommodated. The Mayor of Blackpool, Cllr Kathyrn Benson, will lay flowers of behalf of the town at 12.45 today.

Councillors will be wearing black armbands for the full period of mourning, while the Mayor’s chains will be appropriately dressed.

Details around minutes’ silences and the proclamation of the new monarch will be announced in due course.

An online book of condolence is available to be signed at www.royal.uk or www.lancashire.gov.uk/queen

Blackpool Grand Threatre has announced it will stay closed today as a mark of respect to the Queen. They also offered their condolences and shared fond memories of Her Majesty’s last visit to the Theatre. Read the full story here.

The Premier League and EFL have confirmed they are postponing matches scheduled for this weekend.

Moreover, the FA has suspended all football activity meaning no grassroots or junior football either.

On hearing of Her Majesty’s passing, Chief Fire Officer Justin Johnston said: “It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth today. From myself and on behalf of everyone at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, I send our deepest condolences to The Royal Family at this very sad time.

“We will remember Her Majesty as a true inspiration and source of strength during her long reign of 70 years, particularly during times of uncertainty.

“Flags at our fire stations will now be flown at half-mast to mark the national period of mourning.”

University of Central Lancashire Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin has paid tribute to Her Majesty The Queen following the announcement of her death earlier today.

Professor Baldwin said: “The University of Central Lancashire community is very saddened to hear today of the passing of Her Majesty who dedicated her life to public service and civic duty for the country. Her contribution to the nation, over many decades, has been extraordinary.

“Many at the University will still remember one of the proudest days in our history when in 2012 we were honoured to welcome Her Majesty and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to our Burnley Campus as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this very difficult time.”

The Union Flag at half mast at the top of Blackpool Tower as a mark of respect to her majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Southport Pleasureland has confirmed it will remain closed for the next two weekends as a mark of respect following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II yesterday (September 8).

CEO Norman Wallis has decided to suspend all entertainment activity at the popular waterfront attraction as the country enters an official period of mourning.

Southport Pleasureland opens weekends (Spring/Autumn) and special dates outside the summer school holidays.

Under these exceptional and unforeseen circumstances, tickets bought in advance for the next two weekends will be refunded.