Leeds venue's £50k bill to remove Savile name

Royal Armouries International said Jimmy Savile's name was "irrevocably tainted"

The owner of a conference centre in Leeds has spent £50,000 ridding the venue of Jimmy Savile's name.

Royal Armouries International (RAI) said Savile's Hall at Clarence Dock had been renamed New Dock Hall.

The firm said it was replacing a large list of branded items, from pencils and badges to its websites and clothing.

Managing director James Vincent said: "Sir Jimmy's name and reputation are irrevocably tainted and we have to remove every trace."

He added: "It isn't just a case of taking down a couple of signs and putting up new ones. We have had to rebrand and renew advertisements, radio campaigns, videos and websites - the Savile's site alone has more than 500 pages."

The £5m venue, which can seat up to 1,000 people, was named after Savile in 2007 and played host to fund-raising auctions after his death.

Since alleged sexual abuse by Savile came to light, his name has been removed from various sites, including plaques outside his home in Scarborough and Leeds's Civic Hall and a footpath sign in Scarborough.