Shrine removal causes upset
FAMILY and friends of a woman who died after a fall in Singapore were devastated to find floral tributes and messages of condolence had been taken to the tip by a council employee.
Johanna and Premsa, sisters of Sarah Royle, will receive a personal visit from Calderdale Council's director of safer and stronger communities, Robin Tuddenham, who has apologised for the removal of the tributes, which were taken from St George's Square, Hebden Bridge, on Saturday morning.
Communities in the upper Calder valley have pulled together to raise over 23,000 to help the family meet repatriation, medical, legal and travel expenses and the tributes were another sign of people's support. The family had agreed to move the shrine at the weekend but it had already been cleared.
Mr Tuddenham said: "We are really sorry for what has happened and I have already spoken to the family's representatives to unreservedly apologise for the distress caused to them."
Sarah's body was flown home last Saturday and her funeral will take place next Wednesday, July 21, at 11am at the Good Shepherd, Mytholmroyd followed by a service at the Crematorium in Elland. Sarah suffered severe head injuries in a fall only hours after celebrating England's World Cup win over Slovenia. Despite doctors' best efforts during a six hour operation, there was no chance of survival and her life support machine was switched off three days later. Johanna and Premsa were at her bedside.
The Singapore police investigation is still on-going and West Yorkshire Police have been in contact with the investigating officer.
Johanna said there were unanswered questions concerning her sister's death. "Police have confirmed she didn't climb up the outside of the building but was seen running up the staircase inside. She tried to get into one apartment, rattling the door, but couldn't get in. But she got into another apartment. The person living there saw her running through. But we don't know why," said Johanna.
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Weather for Halifax
Wednesday 30 May 2012
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