Widow Battles for Ownership of 37-Ton Marble Grave Belonging to Traveller 'King'

Council officials in Sheffield are engaging in urgent discussions with the family of a traveller known as "Big" Willy Collins, who has issued warnings of potential riots if his ornate marble grave is ordered for removal. The lavish £200,000 marble gravestone dedicated to Collins remains standing in Sheffield's Shiregreen Cemetery almost two years after its unveiling. However, Sheffield City Council has indicated that the 37-ton Carrara marble monument was constructed without proper authorization.

 

Kathleen, the widow of 'Big' Willy Collins who passed away in July 2020 at the age of 49, is vehemently fighting to preserve her late husband's elaborate grave from potential demolition. Expressing her concerns, Kathleen highlighted the hurtful and inflammatory comments circulating on social media directed at the traveller community, leaving her family feeling deeply distressed and incensed.

 

"People are threatening to vandalize or dismantle the monument, while the Council suggests possible alterations. But if such alterations occur, it will spark a conflict. There will be severe unrest if they remove my husband's headstone," Kathleen emphasized.

 

Sheffield City Council has confirmed reaching out to the family to discuss necessary modifications to bring the grave in line with the cemetery's regulations. Councillor Alison Teal, executive member for sustainable neighborhoods, well-being, parks, and leisure, stated, "This memorial was erected without permission, and we are currently evaluating our next course of action."

 

Collins tragically passed away while on vacation in Mallorca to celebrate his wife's birthday in July 2020. The monument, adorned with a solar-powered jukebox, flashing LED lights, and a life-sized 6ft 2in statue of Collins himself, has become a subject of contention between the family and local authorities.