AS the flag atop the town hall flies at half-mast, Council Leader Marie Rimmer has condemned the "unspeakable atrocity" in New York last week, extending deepest sympathies to those affected by the attack.

She said: "It is difficult to comprehend such a wicked and vile act which was deliberately carried out at a time when it would cause maximum death and destruction. Such unspeakable evil is difficult to even begin to understand, and my heartfelt and deepest sympathies go out to the people who were killed in the attack and to their family and friends."

Books of condolence, to be sent to the President of the USA, have been opened at the borough's town halls, and the Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Keith Roberts, who visited New York and met with officials earlier this year, will send letters of condolence to the Mayor of New York.

Councillor Rimmer said: "My sympathies also go to the many local people who have friends and relatives affected by the attack and I am very mindful of the close links between America and our Borough. Many local people actually married American airmen based at Burtonwood and, more recently, we have forged close business and environmental links with the USA."

Anyone wishing to express their condolences to the people of America can write their message in one of the books at St Helens and Earlestown town halls.