Memorial unveiled for police officers killed in Wakefield roundabout crash

A memorial has been unveiled to the five police officers killed in a bus crash in Wakefield 46 years ago.

On 15 May 1978, PC David Bullement, PC Eric Renshaw, PC Colin Ross, WPC Lillian Sullivan and WPS Elizabeth Burton died after their coach overturned in an accident at the Newton Hill roundabout in Wakefield. A further 23 passengers were injured as the coach traveled to Blackpool for a conference.

This memorial has been installed in the new nature area at Newton Bar and will be a focal point there. There they will be able to pay their respects to the loved ones of those who died, as well as their colleagues and other residents.

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Councilor Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “It was extremely important to us that the redevelopment of this area included a memorial to the police officers who sadly lost their lives here 46 years ago.

“It was a huge tragedy and we wanted to recognize the contribution those officers made to society. I hope it becomes a place where their families and the local community can come and take time to reflect and remember those lost.”

The ceremony that unveiled the memorial was attended by the families of the deceased, as well as several survivors of the accident. A survivor of the crash, DI Eddie Burton and WPS Brother Elizabeth Burton, added: “It’s been a long time coming but we appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped create this memorial to remember all those lost in the tragedy.”

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Paul Fixter, a local resident, initially approached Councilor Matthew Morley and the Police Federation for support for a memorial after speaking to neighbors at the 40th anniversary. Realizing they were unaware of the tragedy, he said, “I didn’t want it to become a forgotten tragedy. I was aware that there were plans to redevelop the roundabout and thought there might be an opportunity to introduce a memorial as part of the works. to remember the officers and it’s great that there was support to make this happen.”

Chief Constable John Robins QPM DL said: “I am extremely grateful to Mr Paul Fixter who, with the support of Councilor Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council, the West Yorkshire Police Federation and the building contractors, made the idea of ​​a memorial come true. know that the families of those we lost that day are grateful for their time, energy and dedication in erecting this memorial.”

Dr Neil Bulleyment, whose father David was lost in the tragedy, said: “Of course we would have liked this to have been put in place sooner but it’s very welcome that we now have something in a public place and that the names of those who “Died shall be visible to those who come to see him.”

This memorial was unveiled by Councilor Matthew Morley and Craig Nicholls, QGM, Chairman of the West Yorkshire Police Federation.