Families angry over Shoreham air disaster ribbon removal

Gina Chirico believes the ribbons should remain on the bridge

Family and friends of some of the 11 victims of the Shoreham air disaster have said they are angry after being told to remove ribbons placed on a bridge near the scene of the crash.

The toll bridge has become a focal point for remembrance since the crash.

It was originally covered with flowers, but these were removed by West Sussex County Council.

The authority has now said the ribbons have to come down due to "environmental concerns".

Gina Chirico, whose partner Mark Trussler died in the crash, believes the council's decision was wrong.

"The community have come together to put all these bows out to show their respect towards all the 11 families," she said.

Mr Trussler, 54, was killed along with 10 others when a 1950s Hawker Hunter jet crashed on to the A27 on 22 August.

The approximately 7,000 ribbons were tied on the bridge before the funeral of 24-year-old personal trainer Matt Jones.

Floral tributes stretched the length of Shoreham Toll Bridge in the weeks following the air crash on 22 August

His friend Shellee Spooner said: "The funeral was only held Friday just gone. It's very insensitive to get the rulebook out and the red tape, when we're still not grieved."

Louise Goldsmith, leader of West Sussex County Council, said it was "understandable" that friends of those who lost their lives wanted to pay tribute.

She said: "We have listened to the strength of feeling and we have agreed the banner will remain on the toll bridge until the memorial service on 22 November.

"However, the ribbons will have to come down due to environmental concerns if these come loose.

"It is precisely this need to have a lasting tribute to the loved ones that we plan to recognise with a permanent memorial at an appropriate location.

"However, nothing will be decided about a permanent memorial without the full consultation and input of the families involved and those talks will only begin when they say the time is right."

The victims:

(Top row, left to right) Matt Jones, Matthew Grimstone, Jacob Schilt, Maurice Abrahams, Richard Smith. (Bottom row, left to right) Mark Reeves, Tony Brightwell, Mark Trussler, Daniele Polito, Dylan Archer, Graham Mallinson

• Matt Jones, 24 - a personal trainer

• Daniele Polito, 23 - he was travelling in the same car as Mr Jones

• Matthew Grimstone, 23 - a Worthing United footballer who worked as a groundskeeper at Brighton & Hove Albion

• Jacob Schilt, 23 - a Worthing United player travelling to a match with Mr Grimstone

• Maurice Abrahams, 76 - a chauffeur on his way to pick up a bride on her wedding day

• Richard Smith, 26, and Dylan Archer, 42 - friends who were going for a bike ride on the South Downs

• Mark Reeves, 53 - he had taken his motorcycle to the perimeter of Shoreham Airport to take photos of the planes

• Tony Brightwell, 53 - an aircraft enthusiast who had learned to fly at Shoreham airfield

• Mark Trussler, 54 - thought to have been riding his motorcycle on the A27

• Graham Mallinson, 72 - a keen photographer and retired engineer