Newton Hill roundabout coach crash: Memorial ceremony planned for five police officers killed

A dedication ceremony to mark the 46th anniversary of the tragedy at Newton Hill roundabout is also planned.

PC David Bulleyment, PC Eric Renshaw, PC Colin Ross, WPC Lillian Sullivan and WPS Elizabeth Burton all died when their vehicle overturned on May 15, 1978.

The officers had been travelling to a conference in Blackpool. Another 23 passengers were injured.

An inquest into the officers’ deaths heard the coach’s brakes had failed.

Wakefield Council has been planning a memorial following a £9.7m redevelopment of the roundabout and the A650 Leeds Road.

The local authority has consulted the Police Federation over the tribute.

Matthew Morley, cabinet member for planning and highways, gave an update on the plans at a full council meeting.

He said: “I was up there yesterday with members of the Police Federation as it will be the anniversary of the disaster that happened down there in 1978.

“We are hopeful that the memorial stone, plaque and the dedication to those that lost their lives will be in place for May 15.”

Coun Morley said he hoped the Mayor of Wakefield, Josie Pritchard, and council leader Denise would be able to join relatives of those who lost their lives at a dedication ceremony.

Calls have been made for a memorial at the site since 2019.

Last October, ward councillor David Pickersgill welcomed the move but added: “It is unfortunate it has taken us this long to do a proper memorial to the police coach crash.”

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Speaking in 2019, Neil Bulleyment, PC Bulleyment’s son, who was four when his father died, said: “I think the idea is long overdue to be honest.

“I’ve seen various police forces up and down the UK all pay tribute to the officers they’ve lost, and I think West Yorkshire should too.

“I think since 1978, something has been lacking, even if there was just a small plaque there it would have been nice. It’s a great shame really.”

Police Federation chairman Brian Booth previously said said: “We think it’s a fantastic idea. We’re fully supportive of it.

“It’s absolutely the right thing to do to remember them.

“It was a massive tragedy and it’s important we recognise the contribution of those officers to society.”