Memorial unveiled for five police officers at Newton Bar
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Wakefield Council has unveiled a memorial to five police officers who tragically lost their lives in an accident at Newton Hill roundabout on 15 May 1978.
PC David Bulleyment, PC Eric Renshaw, PC Colin Ross, WPC Lillian Sullivan and WPS Elizabeth Burton all died when their coach overturned while travelling to a conference in Blackpool. Another 23 passengers were also injured.
The memorial will be a focal point in the new nature area at Newton Bar, where their loved ones, colleagues and residents will be able to pay their respects and reflect.
Families of those lost in the tragedy and some survivors of the accident were among those who attended the ceremony.
"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 recognise the contribution of those officers to society.
“I hope it becomes a place that their families and the local community can come and take time to reflect and remember those lost.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
Accident survivor, retired DI Eddie Burton, and brother of WPS Elizabeth Burton, said: “It’s been a long time, but we appreciate the efforts of everyone who has contributed to creating this memorial, to remember all those lost in the tragedy.”
Dr Neil Bulleyment, whose father David was lost in the tragedy, said: “Of course we’d have liked this to have been in place sooner, but very much welcome that we now have something in a public place and that the names of those who’ve passed away will be visible to those who come to see it.”
Chief Constable John Robins QPM DL said: “I am immensely grateful to Mr Paul Fixter with the support of Councillor Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council, the West Yorkshire Police Federation and the construction contractors, who made the idea of a memorial a reality. I know that the families of those we lost that day are grateful for their time, energy and dedication in raising this memorial.”
Local resident Paul Fixter who approached Cllr Morley and the Police Federation for support for a memorial, after speaking to neighbours on the 40th anniversary, and realising they were unaware of the tragedy, said: “I did not want it to become a forgotten tragedy. I was aware that there were plans to redevelop the roundabout and thought there may be an opportunity to introduce a memorial as part of the works to remember the officers, and it’s great the support has been there to make this happen.”
The memorial was unveiled by Cllr Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, and Craig Nicholls, Chair of the West Yorkshire Police Federation.