West Yorkshire Police to leave Billy’s Statue for the Fans
For some time now the West Yorkshire Police have been using Billy Bremner’s statue and its raised plinth as an observation point after games at Elland Road. Originally this was to keep an eye on away fans as they exited the cheese wedge or south stand and moved to the car park nearest McDonalds, which was traditionally reserved for away coaches.
With away fans now located in the West Stand, and after hearing from several of our members who would like to take the opportunity to photograph themselves and their kids with Billy’s statue after games, our newly co-opted trust board member, Steve Clay, who has taken the port folio for Policing, Stewarding and Safety, approached the WYP and asked them to re-think the after match policy.
Fans leaving the ground on Saturday 31st August after the QPR game may have noticed that Billy’s statue was clear of police officers and available once more to supporters who wanted to pay their respects and share a moment with Billy, or have photos taken.
Steve said, “I would like to thank Bryn Stokes and his team at West Yorkshire Police for seeing the sense in our request and allowing Leeds United supporters the opportunity to once again enjoy Billy’s statue after games as well as before. We understand the need at times to use the raised area as a strategic vantage point, and respect the fact that this may have to happen in the future from time to time, but for the most part Billy’s statue once more belongs to those who will never forget his deeds.”
Whilst stressing the need from time to time to deploy Officers tactically and asking for the patience of supporters when this has to happen Inspector of Operations for the WYP, Neil Hemmingway, said, “I will ensure that the individual silver and bronze commanders are aware of the spectators wishes and that where possible, particularly at low category fixtures, this matter is dealt with pragmatically. I will ask the commanders to try as far as possible to accommodate the needs of spectators who wish to take souvenir photographs at the location, and I am sure they will do their best”.
LUST chairman Gary Cooper said, “By acting so quickly in response to our members Steve has demonstrated his value and ability. I am so pleased he has managed to achieve just a small but notable concession in the little time he has been on our board, and I am sure there is much more to come from Steve as the season rolls on.”
LUST has always enjoyed a great working relationship with the WYP and we are very grateful to them for listening to us, and for making this change for the benefit of our members and all Leeds United supporters.
Supporters can also join more than 9,000 other Leeds fans and have their voice heard as members of the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust by filling in the form at www.lufctrust.org. Membership is free. Keep checking for updates on www.lufctrust.org, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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