An online book of condolence has been opened in memory of the Mayor of Hertsmere who has died after a period of illness.

Councillor Cynthia Barker passed away on September 14 and there has been widespread sadness within the community both locally and in her native Philippines.

Hertsmere Borough Council has opened the book of condolence to allow mourners an opportunity to pass on their memories, kind words and sympathies to Cllr Barker's family and friends.

Residents in Hertsmere will also be able to pay their respects to Cllr Barker this Wednesday which is the day of her funeral.

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As first citizen of the borough, Cllr Barker’s hearse will tour Hertsmere beginning at 10.30am in Borehamwood, travelling through Elstree, Bushey, Radlett, Shenley, South Mimms and Potters Bar, finishing back in Borehamwood around an hour later.

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A full route can be found here but the hearse will travel through Borehamwood town centre and down Allum Lane to Elstree, before taking the A41 and Elstree Road into Bushey Heath and then down into Bushey.

The procession will visit Aldenham Road, passing Queens School, before travelling down Hartspring Lane into Radlett.

After visiting Shenley, the hearse will pass Arsenal and Watford's training grounds in Bell Lane, and then it will follow the B556 into South Mimms, and then into Potters Bar.

Both Darkes Lane and Potters Bar High Street will be visited before he hearse leaves the town, joins the M25, takes the A1 south before returning to Borehamwood.

The funeral will take place at 1pm, with the mayor’s office represented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss.

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The flag at the council offices in Borehamwood continues to fly at half mast in respect of Cllr Barker who represented residents in Potters Bar and Borehamwood as a ward councillor.

Council leader, Cllr Morris Bright, said: "My thoughts and prayers go out to Cynthia’s loved ones. It is my hope that the outpouring of support and love from across Hertsmere will bring some comfort to her family and friends at this difficult time.

"Cynthia thrived at being a local councillor, always wanting to help residents with their issues. She has left a lasting impression on the council, which has been evident by the very many touching messages posted already on social media."

Read more: Tributes paid to Hertsmere mayor Cllr Cynthia Barker

Cllr Barker was only appointed as mayor in June and said she was "honoured" to take the role on the role for the coming year.

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Cllr Barker pictured at a Remembrance Day event in Elstree in 2019, when she was deputy mayor

Cllr Barker’s chosen charity as mayor was the NSPCC in which she was a long-term supporter and a committee member of the Elstree and Borehamwood branch.

Donations to the charity can be made in Cllr Barker's name here.

Anyone who wishes to sign the book of condolence should visit www.tolbc.com/CynthiaBarker