Epsom and Ewell Borough Council did nothing to mark Holocaust Memorial Day last month, despite almost all neighbouring councils holding at least one event.

Local authorities from Sutton, Croydon, Merton, Richmond and Reigate and Banstead – as well as Surrey County Council – all held services on the week beginning January 25.

Holocaust Memorial Day has been marked by various organisations and authorities in the UK since 2001, falling on January 27 – the day Auschwitz was liberated in 1945.

The Jewish population of Epsom and Ewell is 0.3 per cent, or roughly 225 people, which is a comparable proportion to all neighbouring boroughs.

The council said it does not commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day because it has received no request for such a community initiative in the past.

Reigate and Banstead held a ceremony on Tuesday, January 26 in Reigate School featuring a talk by Holocaust survivor Eve Gill and performances from local school choirs.

Mrs Gill – who came to Britain during the war on the Kindertransport – also spoke at Sutton’s service a day later, which was attended by local councillors and the mayor, Councillor Muhammad Sadiq.

Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, said: “We encourage every local authority to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, in whatever way they feel fit.

“This could be a moment of reflection at a council meeting, putting up our free poster display in public buildings, or highlighting Holocaust Memorial Day to residents to encourage them to organise commemorations.”

An Epsom and Ewell Borough Council spokesman said: “The Holocaust is one of the greatest tragedies in history, worse because it was no natural disaster but mankind turning on itself.

“It was not the first or last time this has happened.

“Epsom and Ewell Borough Council will consider supporting any community initiative to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

“We have received no such request in the past.”

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