Memorial to earthquake dead

10:21am Thursday 8th February 2001

Messages of condolence have been flooding in for residents in Croydon who have lost relatives and friends in the Gujarat earthquake.

A special prayer service was held at the in West Croydon last Wednesday to remember the dead and support local residents who originate from the north west region of India.

Croydon North MP Malcolm Wicks said: I am horrified by the scale of devastation and I know in Croydon that many people have close links with this part of India.

Leader of Croydon Council, Councillor Hugh Malyan, has written a letter of condolence to the Indian High Commission. He said: I know that here in Croydon many of our residents will be desperate to find out if their friends and families are safe.

On behalf of the council and the people of our borough, and especially those with family links, I express my deepest sorrow at what has happened and pray that people here will provide both moral and financial support to assist with the situation.

Croydon Central MP Geraint Davies was the guest speaker at the ceremony at the Oshwal Centre, in Campbell Road, and has launched a collection fund for the survivors.

Editor's Choice