Uproar after Labour-run council plans to light up cenotaph in memory of George Floyd
Rochdale Borough Council sparked fury on Tuesday after it revealed plans to light up the town’s war memorial to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of convicted criminal George Floyd.
In a now-deleted tweet, the Labour-run council’s social media accounts confirmed that Rochdale landmarks including its cenotaph will be “lit purple” on Tuesday evening to remember a black man who lived 4,000 miles away, with no known association to the area.
“Rochdale is a proud and diverse community – we stand shoulder to shoulder with those fighting against racism, discrimination and persecution,” the council added.
The decision to include a memorial to British servicemen angered many locals who told the Labour-run council their thoughts in no uncertain terms.
“Typical of a council where some of the worst child grooming gangs roamed at will,” replied one social media user.
“What colour did you light the war memorial on the anniversary of the murder of serviceman Lee Rigby?” another asked. “What colour did you light it for the Manchester bombing anniversary? What colour for the victims of the paedophile gangs that operated in Rochdale?”
“I live in Rochdale and most people I’ve spoken to recently are disgusted that Rochdale Council are doing this especially on a War Memorial. A career criminal 4000 miles away treated like a Saint, but nothing for Lee Rigby , Emily Jones or the Manchester 22. Labour out of touch,” added a third.
One social media user describing themselves as “a Rochdale constituent” insisted they entirely object to what they called the “desecration of our community’s war memorial”.
“These memorials are sacred and serve to remind us of the immeasurable bravery of our war dead both past and present. This repurposing is grossly disrespectful and absolutely unacceptable.”
The council have now deleted the tweet regarding tonight’s commemorative tribute without any comment publicly available.
The Foxhole has reached out to Rochdale Borough Council for comment.
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