I WRITE to lament the abject lack of marking Remembrance Sunday in Stockton Heath.

I was one of between 80 and 100 residents who turned up to express our condolences as I have for many years.

We all stood apart on the four corners of the junction by the war memorial and maintained a safe distance from each other to mark the two minute silence alone.

St Thomas’ Church did not even sound its bells, the local fire brigade and police were conspicuous by their absence.

Congratulations to the young man – obviously a serving soldier – who turned up in his immaculate number one uniform.

I understand the need to socially distance in the circumstances but if these restrictions had been in place in 1940 then German would be our mother tongue today.

Shame on all who connived to cancel this vital part of our heritage and identity.

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED