Revellers fear on RAF jet move
Concerns that drunken revellers could try to 'ride' a Harrier jump jet set to to be permanently displayed in Stafford could delay its installation in the town. Concerns that drunken revellers could try to 'ride' a Harrier jump jet set to to be permanently displayed in Stafford could delay its installation in the town. A meeting of the resources scrutiny committee yesterday ruled that the council needs to look at the security arrangements again after it was pointed out that the authority could be liable if someone fell from it. The plans to install the jet are set to cost the council £20,000. The council wants to move it from its current location at RAF Stafford to the Falklands Gardens site on the traffic island at Gaol Square to commemorate the town's association with the air force. Read the full story in the Express & Star
A meeting of the resources scrutiny committee yesterday ruled that the council needs to look at the security arrangements again after it was pointed out that the authority could be liable if someone fell from it.
The plans to install the jet are set to cost the council £20,000. The council wants to move it from its current location at RAF Stafford to the Falklands Gardens site on the traffic island at Gaol Square to commemorate the town's association with the air force.Current plans for security at the site, including CCTV cameras, a low fence and bushes, were deemed inadequate by Councillor Mark Winnington.
He said: "I was a student once and we need to consider the fact that some people may find the idea of leaping on top of a jet tempting after a night out."
David Rawlings, council chief executive, said: "It is the RAF's intention to move the jet and it's a matter of conjecture whether this would mean it could be lost to Stafford altogether if it isn't moved into the town centre."
Members of the committee backed Councillor Winnington's motion to look again at the security arrangements for the Gaol Square site.
