Bolton: Town remembers Grenfell Tower victims

Bolton TUC held a short service at Victoria Square in the town centre at 5.45pm, with the mayor in attendance, along with councillors and residents.

Laminated photos of the victims were handed out to those that came to show their support.

At 6pm the town bell sounded, and a minute’s silence was held as people held up the photos.

Bolton TUC then read the names and ages of each of the 72 lives that were lost in West London on June 14, 2017.

Community gathering together to pay their respects

Many of them were children and familes.

Bolton mayor, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said: “What happened in London was sad, and it was a tragic loss of life.

“Today (Tuesday), we not only remember those who lost their lives, but we also need to plan for the future going forward.

“We have to ensure that we do not face another tragedy like that again.

“It’s a time to remember, reflect, and pray.”

Cllr Rabiya Jiva said: “For me, unfortunately I am standing here, and I don’t want to stand here.

“Of course, it is about recognising that people lost loved ones.

“But it was a tragedy that could have been prevented.

“The government has to change, and we need to keep pushing for these causes because nobodies’ life is worth losing.”

Residents paying their respects

MP for Bolton South East Yasmin Qureshi added: "Today marks five years since the Grenfell Tower fire, yet to so many of us, it feels like only yesterday the images and videos of the fire were broadcast.

"The Grenfell Tower tragedy was an unthinkable event which caused the deaths of 72 people.

"Here in Bolton, two years after Grenfell, we had the Cube Fire.

"There are still many buildings left unsafe and the Government are too slow and complacent.

"It is their duty to act now to ensure every building is safe.  

"Thousands of people and families continue to live in buildings with Grenfell style inflammable cladding

"To forget the victims of Grenfell would be to forget the tragedy itself – each life lost was a tragic act which impacted families, friends and loved ones.

"It is only right therefore that we in Bolton pay our respects and give our words of support to the families of those who lost their lives and their livelihoods on this day."