Poland touched by messages of sympathy

THE Mayor of Oldham Councillor Jim McArdle greets Polish consul-general Piotr Nowotniak, watched by vice-consul Szymon Bialek (back) and Oldham Youth Mayor Mohammed Adil.

THE Polish consul-general was touched by the concern and well-wishes of Oldhamers after his nation’s recent plane tragedy.

The horror crash in Russia on April 10 killed 96 people including Polish president Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria and dozens of political and military elite, leaving the Polish community in shock and mourning.

During a visit to meet Oldham Mayor, Councillor Jim McArdle, Piotr Nowotniak was shown a book of condolences Oldham Council has created for residents to pay their respects. The Oldham visit was a general meeting to maintain good relations, with conversations held about Oldham and Poland. But it also gave the Mayor the opportunity to pay his condolences.

He said: “I took him to see the book of condolences to show how Oldham feels about it. There’s a big Polish contingent here in Oldham and they have done good things for my Mayor’s charities and have supported my events.

“We have a good relationship with the polish community.”