THE French Tricolour is flying at half mast over Redditch town hall today (Monday, November 16) in solidarity with the people of France following the terror attacks in Paris on Friday evening.
Redditch has strong links with the people of France, the town having been twinned with Auxerre just south of Paris for some 60 years and has forged newer links with the people of Gruchet-le-Valasse in Normandy.
Since the atrocities on Friday when 129 people were murdered and hundreds more injured, the leader of Redditch borough council, Councillor Bill Hartnett, has been in touch with mayors of both towns as well as leading figures from the twinning associations.
“I was absolutely horrified as the tragic events in Paris unfolded, like people around the world,” said Coun Hartnett.
“We all know the impact that the attack on the Twin Towers made on us and now it is happening in France – it is unbelievable.
“I have spoken to lots of people from all over our community this weekend and they are all equally horrified.
“We have written letters expressing our solidarity with the people of France and these have been translated into French and will be signed by myself, the Mayor, Coun Pattie Hill and chairman and vice chairman of the twinning committees and sent to our twin towns,” added Coun Hartnett.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of France and in particular with the people of Paris and our twin towns.”
