THE daughter of one of the most talented footballers to come out of Barnsley has blasted council bosses for ‘continually overlooking him’ - after a decision was made to use a different name on the town centre’s £13m bridge.
Mark Jones, who was born on June 15, 1933, lived with his family in Wombwell before signing for Manchester United as an apprentice upon leaving scheme.
‘Busby Babe’ Mark had played for United in a European Cup match against Red Star Belgrade on February 6, 1958.
The plane taking the team back to Manchester stopped at Munich for refuelling but tragedy struck when the plane tried to take off in icy conditions.
It made two attempts and on the third it lost height, crashed through a fence, went across a road and into a house.
Twenty-three died including Mark’s Barnsley-born team-mate Tommy Taylor - whose name was used on the bridge at Market Gate.
Mark’s daughter, Lynn Hargreaves, told the Chronicle that a fitting tribute should be done for her father, who died aged 24.
She said: “My dad’s name is constantly brushed aside when it comes to Barnsley Council’s tributes to its late greats.
“It’d have been lovely if we could sort a permanent reminder of him but when I’ve enquired with the council, I’m told a statue would cost six figures and it’s just an impossible amount to raise.
“I just think it should be a more fair playing field and Barnsley’s best should all be equally remembered.”
In total more than 1,200 suggestions were made by members of the public for the bridge’s official name, which saw the council put the 20 most popular choices before a panel including the leader Sir Steve Houghton, representatives of businesses in the borough and a member of Barnsley Youth Council.
After much discussion, they agreed between them to name it the Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, added: “The response to our survey for the new name of the town centre bridge showed a clear desire from our residents for there to be a link to Barnsley FC.
“The 20 most popular suggestions, one of which referenced Tommy Taylor, were put to the selection panel, along with other suggestions which demonstrated a preference for the bridge to be named after a notable person from the borough.
“Given Tommy’s links to both the football club and the town, having made his name here before joining Manchester United, the panel felt that the Tommy Taylor Memorial Bridge was a fitting name.
“Mark Jones certainly hasn’t been forgotten, and we’re thinking of ways we can honour his memory too as part of our formal dedication ceremony and the wider programme of activity linking the town centre and Oakwell, which will take place later in the year.”
