Freedom of the city honour for famlies of Hillsborough victims

FAMILIES of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough stadium disaster are to be given the Freedom of the City.

They will be placed on the Freedom Roll of Association, the group equivalent of the individual Freedom, to mark the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, and their tireless campaigning for stadium safety.

A total of 96 Liverpool FC fans were killed when the Leppings Lane end stand at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough stadium became dangerously overcrowded during the April 15 1989 FA Cup final with Nottingham Forest.

Yesterday, before the noon official announcement, members of the Hillsborough Family Support Group said they were delighted to receive the honour, which will be conferred upon them by the lord mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Steve Rotheram.

Trevor Hicks, who lost two daughters in the tragedy, said: “I think the families will be delighted.

“It’s an excellent way for recognition to be given to the families of the 96 and the hard work they’ve done.

“This was not just a tragedy for Liverpool but for the whole nation, but the city council has been very supportive.”

Maggie Aspinall, whose 18-year-old son James also died during the tragedy, added: “It’s a fantastic honour, not just for the families, but also, most importantly, for the 96 who died.”

She added that the group would use the event to re-affirm its commitment to fighting any plans to bring standing back at football stadia.

The families already have the support of the Liberal Democrat council against its own national party, which passed a motion in September in favour of looking at returning to standing room at grounds.

The lord mayor said he was honoured to confer the Freedom on the group.

Cllr Rotheram added: “When I suggested it to the powers that be, there was no dispute at all.

“Everybody supports recognising the families, who have fought for 20 years, not just on behalf of the 96 but on behalf of the people of Liverpool.”

More nominations for Civic Honours

A HOST of individuals and community groups including music legends and educationalists are to be recognised in this year’s Civic Honours List.

Former Gerry and the Pacemakers lead singer Gerry Marsden will receive the Freedom of the City in recognition of his services to charity.

Marina Dalglish, wife of former Reds star Kenny, will be made a Citizen of Honour for her work campaigning for victims of breast cancer.

Full article here

YNWA

Heard this today on the radio.

Fantastic news. Testament to what they've been fighting for all these years.

YNWA

Heard this today on the radio.

Fantastic news. Testament to what they've been fighting for all these years.

YNWA

Indeed mate.

I actually seen it in Tuesday's Echo but my mind has been elsewhere since yesterday.

Surprised no one else mentioned it. A much deserved honour.

Should bloody well think so, its the least they could do 

This is great news I hope it takes some grief off the families's shoulders.