A SEVERNSIDER who is now a Manchester city councillor has thanked those in his home town who came together in a show of solidarity for the victims of terrorism.

Around 60 people attended a vigil on Friday evening in the centre of Caldicot to pay tribute to those affected by the atrocities in Manchester and on Westminster Bridge in London.

On Tuesday people in Coleford and in other parts of the Forest and Wye Valley joined others across the country in observing a minute’s silence for the victims of the attacks in London on Saturday.

The message of thanks from Cllr Matt Strong, a former pupil of Caldicot School who now represents the Chorlton ward on Manchester City Council, was read by the Mayor of Caldicot, Cllr Phil Stevens, who said it was “humbling” to see so many people.

It read: “The last week has been a painful time for my adopted city of Manchester, so please pass on my thanks to the people of the town I grew up in, Caldicot, for coming together to pay tribute to those murdered and injured on May 22.

“Please also thank those working for the emergency services working all year round to keep us safe.

“Whether we live in an English city or a Welsh town, whether we are atheists or devout followers of religion, we will not allow terrorism or any other form of hatred to divide us: together we are one people.”

The vigil was organised by Christine Rees, Allison Griffiths, Sharon Tovey and Jo Stevens and included a performance of One More Time – the final song of the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena – by local singer Zoe Walters.

As people laid flowers and candles on the Cross war memorial, Caldicot School pupil Olivia Brewin played a saxophone solo.

Mrs Rees said: “It is wonderful that so many people came to pay their respects to those affected by what happened in Manchester and London.

“We have never organised anything like this and we are grateful to Aaron Reekes and Caldicot Town Team for their help.”

Among the speakers was Assembly Member for Newport East John Griffiths, as well as local clergy and Labour’s General Election candidate in the constituency, Jessica Morden. There was also a message of thanks and support from the Muslim Council of Great Britain.

Mr Griffiths said: “It is so important we pay our respects to the people

of Manchester, particularly those who died or were injured and their families.”

Gloucestershire Police have said there is no information to suggest a direct threat to the county.

A police spokesman said: “The terrible incidents in London have shocked us all at Gloucestershire Constabulary and we send our deepest sympathies to the victims, their families and all those affected. 

Our thoughts are also with our colleagues from both the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police, including the officer who was injured, as well as staff from all the emergency services.

“Once again they responded with incredible professionalism and courage to protect the public.

“Recent terrorist attacks will of course have made people anxious but terrorists attempt to disrupt our lives and create distrust and fear in communities so it’s important we all go on with our daily lives while remaining vigilant.

“There is no information to suggest any direct threat to people in Gloucestershire so we do not want people to worry.

“Following the Manchester attack we provided mutual aid assistance to our colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and we will once again offer any assistance we can to our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police.

“In the meantime we ask people to be alert but not alarmed and to report any suspicious activity via the anti-terror hotline 0800 789321 or dial 999.”