SENIOR Tories in Notts have called on people to be "respectful" as the funeral of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher takes place today.
Thousands are expected to line streets of London for the ceremonial funeral with military honours, which will take place at St Paul's Cathedral from 11am. Rushcliffe MP Ken Clarke was among those at St Paul's. He said: "All funerals are sad. She was a remarkable personality and by far the biggest personality in politics in my lifetime. "It was a fitting occasion and I came away thinking it was a decent send off." Meanwhile, a pair of protest vigils took place today in Hucknall and Ollerton at the same time as the funeral to "mourn the death of our pits and communities," which have been organised by former miners.
Eric Eaton, of the Notts NUM Ex and Retired Miners Association, said: "People marked the passing of Margaret Thatcher today and we marked the passing of the old pits and communities. "We weren't dancing on the grave, it was a respectful vigil."Scroll down for live reaction from Nottingham...An impromptu "party" was held in the Old Market Square on the day of Mrs Thatcher's death.
But speaking yesterday, Notts County Council deputy leader Martin Suthers urged people to show respect. "They may not have agreed with Mrs Thatcher's policies, but I think the demonstrations have been in bad taste.
"It's only right that she is having the largest funeral since Winston Churchill because she oversaw the most change – the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Soviet Union as well as change within the country.
"There may be those that harbour resentment for Mrs Thatcher, but the time of someone's death and funeral is the time to let people grieve and to show respect."
Georgina Culley, leader of the Conservative Group at Nottingham City Council, said: "It is right that we commemorate such a historic figure with dignity and fanfare.
"Margaret Thatcher was the first woman Prime Minister in our history. She served three times in a row and was Prime Minister for longer than anyone for 150 years.
"She tackled some of the country's deep problems of the time, such as industrial relations, she helped to end the Cold War and she liberated the Falklands.
"I believe that the passing of such a remarkable woman, regardless of your political views, should be respected."
Rushcliffe MP Ken Clarke is among those expected to be at St Paul's for the service.
Meanwhile, the Union flag at the Notts County Council's headquarters in West Bridgford, was lowered yesterday and will remain at half mast until Thursday morning.
Mr Suthers said: "It's just the council's way of showing respect."
A Nottingham City Council spokesman said there were no plans to lower the flag on the Council House for the funeral.
