MOVING the Wilberforce Monument back to its original location in the city centre could cost up to £1.6m.

The idea has been included in a new strategy aimed at transforming the look of the city centre ahead of Hull's year in the spotlight as the 2017 UK City of Culture.

Although a final decision on the monument has yet to be taken, design consultants hired by Hull City Council to draw up the £25m facelift proposals say moving it back to a site between Queen Victoria Square and Whitefriargate would restore its iconic status.

Art historian Dr Carolyn Conroy, who has recently written a book about the monument, said she had an open mind over whether the landmark should be moved from its present site outside Hull College.

"I am fairly neutral about it at the moment," she said.

"It's probably fair to say that a lot of people don't even see it when they visit the city centre at the moment because of where it is.

"Moving it back to its original position would undoubtedly raise awareness of the monument, of Wilberforce and his legacy."

Dr Conroy's book Homage To The Emancipator is believed to be the first written about the monument.

Proceeds from the book will support the recently launched William Wilberforce Monument Fund, which is promoting efforts to illuminate the structure for 2017.

Dr Conroy said: "I have always been fascinated by the history of the monument, but when I started my research, I discovered that while there was plenty of material about it, there had never been a book about it.

"The monument was originally funded by pubic donation and it cost about £1,500 to build, which is £90,000 in today's money."

The new £1.6m cost estimate is included in a report on the city centre facelift proposals due to be discussed by planning councillors next week.

Moving the monument is included in a second phase of works.

It is thought most of the cost could be covered by Heritage Lottery funding should a grant application be approved.

Projects in the first phase include the full pedestrianisation of Jameson Street and part of King Edward Street, repaving Queen Victoria Square and redesigning the historic Beverley Gate area, including encasing the medieval remains of the Old Town walls in architectural glass.

There would also be improvements to Whitefriargate, Humber Street, the Queens Gardens Rosebowl and Trinity Square, where there are proposals to remove the Victorian boundary wall surrounding Holy Trinity Church.

The first phase works would also cover Albion Street and Bond Street, where the city centre bus loop will be rerouted once Jameson Street and King Edward Street become pedestrian-only zones.

Councillor Steven Bayes, the cabinet member for visitor destination, said: "We need to get the idea and suggestions into the public domain to ensure they have the broad agreement of the public.

"Getting it right is key."

A "THOROUGHLY mean" travel agent has been jailed for eight months for stealing more than £13,000 from the family-run company where she worked.

Belinda Traves, 51, became a trusted and valued member of staff at Holiday Travel in Bridlington, befriending the owners and rising to the post of manager during her 11 years with the firm.

But she repaid that trust by stealing from them in a "clever, skilful and persistent" five-year fraud.

Traves denied any wrongdoing but was convicted by a jury of three counts of fraud and three of theft, totalling £13,302.18, following a trial at Hull Crown Court in April.

She was found not guilty of a further charge, fraud by falsifying records, which related to the alleged theft of £83,000 in cash.

Sentencing her at the same court yesterday, Recorder Patrick Palmer told Traves: "I form the view that this was a thoroughly mean offence. Throughout this hearing you continued to deny the offence and showed no remorse at all."

The judge said the effect on the company's owners and directors, brothers Steve and Timothy Allerston, had been great and continued to be felt.

He said: "I've read the victim impact statements from Mr Stephen and Mr Timothy Allerston.

"I saw both of those gentlemen give evidence in court, and it's quite clear to me that your offending against them has caused them considerable upset indeed, not only when they were investigating the offences but in recent years.

"The effect of those offences is still affecting their business.

"They take that personally and it's plain that is still causing distress to them.

"There can only have been one motive and that must have been greed."

During the trial, it was revealed Traves was first investigated by the company in 2008 after complaints from two colleagues that she had replaced their initials on holiday files with her own, potentially affecting their commission.

But that initial probe was shelved, with managing director Steve Allerston telling the court that although he was convinced she had altered the records, he decided to "brush it under the carpet" and move on.

He said Traves, who had first joined the company on work experience, had become a trusted friend.

Explaining his decision to the jury, Mr Allerston said: "We tried to look at the bigger picture, tried to justify it, that it was something that was done because she wanted to be one of the top salespeople, and it was sales-driven rather."

But following further concerns about Traves, a second investigation began in 2012, which resulted in police being called in. She was arrested on April 3, 2012.

Traves, of Castley Lane, Pool-in-Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, had no previous convictions.

Her barrister, Nicholas de la Poer, said: "She had, for more than 45 years, led not just a crime-free life but an exemplary life."

He said he accepted on Traves's behalf that the custody threshold had been crossed, but asked for the sentence to be suspended, noting her record, the "extraordinary" length of time between the beginning of the proceedings and their conclusion, and the fact she was now full-time carer for her husband.

She had not only lost her good name, Mr de la Poer said, but would now find it extremely difficult to find work in the future.

After the hearing, Steve Allerston said: "It's great that we can move on but it's very sad as well – there are no winners in this case.

"It was a situation we never wanted and suddenly found ourselves involved in. Thankfully, now we can get back to focusing on our business, which is what we should be doing.

"A lady who we trusted has come along and taken advantage of us."

CLUTCHING the string of a balloon for his dad, two-year-old Noah Fenwick walked into the gardens at Chanterlands Crematorium.

Seconds later, the balloon was soaring high – one of dozens released by Paul Fenwick's family and friends after his funeral yesterday.

Dad-of-two Paul, 31, known as "Podgie", fell to his death from scaffolding, while building an extension at his family's home in James Reckitt Avenue, east Hull, on July 1.

He had been on paternity leave after his partner Ixchel Wilson, 28, gave birth to their daughter Emilia Chloe two weeks ago.

Reverend Stuart Spandler told the congregation of more than 300, many of whom were forced to stand during the service, how Paul – a devoted Christian – helped spread happiness.

"While I was reading about Podgie in the Mail I noticed a separate piece about Ken Dodd's Happiness Show coming to Bridlington," he said.

"When you think about it, that's exactly what Podgie's life was – a 31-year-long happiness show.

"Podgie brought happiness into the lives of everyone he came into contact with."

Rev Spandler said there were three things that brought together the congregation gathered in the large chapel.

"Those three things are admiration, respect and love for Paul Fenwick," he said.

"When I say love, I am not talking about that wishy-washy Barbara Cartland type of love.

"I am talking about the type of love that says, 'I am here for you no matter what'.

"Podgie loved you."

Just then, Noah, who wore a smart white shirt, rose to his feet, faced the congregation and flashed a wide smile.

Rev Spandler told how, when Paul was only a little older than Noah, he had run off, sparking a hunt by his frantic dad, also called Paul.

"Paul spotted Podgie," said Rev Spandler.

"He was in a milk float over the road, just about to put his foot on the pedal. Off it went down the road, with Podgie giving his cheeky grin."

Rev Spandler spoke of Paul's deep faith.

"There was also a serious side to Podgie," he said. "Having studied many of the world's different religions, Podgie had a very deep-seated belief in God.

"He wanted to go out and do things and make a difference to people's lives.

"It was that commitment to changing lives that led him to work at Dove House Hospice. A volunteer at first, Podgie had found a real niche.

"He found that he really could make a difference. People there need someone to reach out to them. Podgie did just that."

Rev Spandler said Paul's own life changed when he met his partner.

"Podgie was totally devoted to Ixchel and his family.

"He was so proud of the work he was doing on his house – his family's home."

Since the tragedy, many of his friends have left messages on Facebook to share their memories of him.

"You have to see all the messages to see the scale of his popularity," said Rev Spandler.

Paul's memory lives on, said Rev Spandler.

"The best tribute you can pay to Podgie is get out there and, in his name, bring happiness into the lives of everyone you meet," he said.

Paul's cousin, Claire Moult, whose idea it was to release balloons at the end of the service, explained their significance.

"It's a visual way of letting him go," she said. "I grew up with Podgie on the Greatfield estate. He was genuine. He had a big heart. Podgie would do anything for anyone.

"He was humorous and, in any situation, he would lighten the mood."

As the balloons were carried away on the breeze, Paul's father looked up and said: "I love you. Stay happy, Podgie."

AN EAST Yorkshire town will come to life this weekend and host a special fun day for all the family.

The Hessle Feast will take place tomorrow in the main square between noon and 5pm and feature a variety of entertainment, stalls, rides and a water park.

The feast has been organised by residents Paul Havler, Andy McLathcie and Paul Warren.

Mr Havler said: "We would like as many people as possible to come down on Sunday. If it is sunny it will be a great day. There is so much for everyone to do. "Unofficially, the event will start for us at 6am when we begin setting everything up for the day.

"It will be a shame if it rains but we won't let it dampen the day."

The feast will officially be opened at noon by Miss Hull and District Zara Holland, who is also from Hessle.

Zara, 18, said: "I have attended in previous years and it really is a great day out for all the family.

"Hopefully, it will attract and bring a lot of people to Hessle so people can see what it has to offer."

The festival this year will feature fairground rides including a roller coaster and a big wheel, a variety of stalls, music, entertainment and the shops in the town will open especially.

Mr Havler said: "The shops often tend to provide their own entertainment, which always goes down really well with visitors."

The first Hessle Feast festival dates back to the 1800s.

The annual event used to be held around Whitsuntide and would see people in the town gather to celebrate the coming year.

Mr Havler said: "From articles in 1808 and 1836, it is clear that the Hessle Feast had become a major event bringing in people from neighbouring towns and villages.

"With much excitement, racing, noise and jubilee, as ever the youth made it their own.

"Resurrected about 16 years ago, after many years of absence, the feast was moved to the summer and has, again, become an event of enjoyment and embraced by the whole community of Hessle."

Mr Havler, Mr McLathcie and Mr Warren took over the running of the Hessle Feast committee last year and plan to make future events bigger and better than ever.

Mr Havler said: "This year we have the Hull FC wheelchair rugby team attending the feast.

"We try and provide more and more activities and entertainment year on year."

FRIENDS and colleagues of late Hull Royal Naval Association chairman Arthur Stevenson will gather tomorrow to scatter his ashes into the Humber.

Mr Stevenson had been chairman of the Hull branch of the Royal Naval Association for 30 years until his death last December.

During his time in the Royal Navy, he took part in the D-Day landings in Normandy and later served in the Far East until the end of the Second World War.

Tomorrow's ceremony at Victoria Pier has been arranged by members of his family and the association.

Association secretary Bob Reeves said: "We became very close over the past eight or nine years working together for the association.

"There is a tradition in the navy of having Sea Dads and he was my Sea Dad, someone I really looked up to.

"He was an absolutely marvellous man.

"He could be a bit of a disciplinarian because he liked to get things right but, above all else, he was a big family man."

Mr Stevenson was born in Hessle Road in 1925 and started working on water boats in the city's docks, as a 15-year-old, helping to supply water to visiting merchant ships.

He survived a bomb blast in Railway Dock during the Blitz when a German landmine dropped next to a vessel he was working in.

A year later he joined the Royal Navy as a 17-year-old and was posted onto landing crafts.

On D-Day he was a member of a landing craft crew ferrying British and Canadian troops and equipment to Juno beach in Normandy.

Later, in an interview, he told of his experience that day.

"When you are loaded and you are going for the beach, you cannot deviate," he said. "If a ship gets blown up in front of you or alongside of you and the crew, the Navy lads and the Army lads, they're in the water, you just go over them.

"It's a terrible thing, but you just couldn't swerve or anything, and you run over anything that's in the way."

His landing craft eventually snapped in two during a storm in the Channel.

He recalled: "I heard a bang and a crack and I thought 'What's happened? We've hit a mine!' Two or three minutes later, the phone rang and I answered it. It was the old man on the bridge. He said, 'We've broken in two. I don't exactly know what's happened yet, but keep your engines running whatever you do.'

"I stayed at the controls and, unknown to me then, the skipper had ordered everyone on deck and I was the only one below and, of course, I was in the stern half. She broke in two."

As association chairman, Mr Stevenson became a well-known figure over the years, representing Royal Navy veterans at the city's annual Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph.

Tomorrow a guard of honour and a parade of standards is planned before his ashes are scattered into the Humber.

Mr Reeves said: "Seeing him suffer with his health before he died was a bitter pill to swallow.

"Hopefully, tomorrow we will be able to give him a proper send-off with a few smiles."

The service starts at noon.

CHRIS Chester tasted his first defeat as Hull KR coach with a 30-6 reverse against Leeds at Headingley, but after an inspired first 60 minutes from the Robins, such a one-sided score never looked likely.

However, when Leeds got their noses in front, they get on a roll and with three tries in quick succession they did just that.

Rovers rallied with a Josh Hodgson try, but it was Leeds who finished strongly with two tries in the closing stages.

Rovers can take heart from the fact they made the Rhinos struggle for the first hour, and can use that positive to their advantage for the remainder of the season.

Leeds brought back big guns Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Carl Ablett to preserve their impressive record of playing at Headingley on a Friday night, where they have now taken 24 points from a possible 26. The one time they did come up empty handed was against Rovers last August, but it was not to be this time.

The game had started brightly with the prospect of plenty of points. However, as the game went on, errors crept in to ruin it as a spectacle.

A scoreless first half told its own story.

The major talking point in the opening period came when play was held up for several minutes after a sickening collision between Rhys Lovegrove and Rhinos full-back Ben Jones-Bishop, who was attempting to catch a Kris Keating bomb. Lovegrove came off worse with an injury to his left knee and was replaced by Kevin Larroyer after several minutes of on-field attention. Jones-Bishop also had to leave the action 10 minutes later.

For the second week running, Rovers competed their first five sets. Their sixth set almost resulted in the opening try, but Liam Salter was held up over the line on the last tackle.

Leeds also had a 100 per cent completion rate, but Rovers' seventh set brought the first error of the game in the 14th minute with Travis Burns kicking into touch on the full.

Giving the Rhinos the opportunity they had been waiting patiently for, only a superb steal by Josh Hodgson on Danny McGuire inches from the try-line got KR out of jail.

With the game becoming scrappy, both sides were guilty of making errors. Rovers' mistakes were unforced, like Craig Hall playing the ball incorrectly and Hodgson's forward pass from a scrum when 20 metres from the Robins' own line.

Chester's injury woes got worse when Neville Costigan took a heavy blow to the head when stopping Kallum Watkins. The Papua New Guinea captain, who made a try-saving ankle tap to stop Jones-Bishop earlier in the half, was led down the tunnel too groggy to appreciate the applause from the Leeds fans.

On the stroke of half-time, Leeds thought they had scored that all-important first try, but Tom Briscoe was called back as Burrow's pass to him drifted forward.

There was an increased turn out from the Rovers fans, who were hoping to see a repeat of last week's superb win over St Helens, and the visitors should have led at the break. They had the better chances, but shot themselves in the foot all too often.

With Leeds there for the taking, the worry was that Brian McDermott's side would take control of the game after the break once he had a word with his below-par players.

The first 10 minutes weren't much better than anything the first half served up. Travis Burns came up short with a 40/20, while Ryan Hall continued to drop balls as the line beckoned.

Costigan showed his courage by returning to the action in the 57th minute, but his first act was to drop the ball in a tackle as the standard of the game dropped even lower.

Just as everyone was thinking a drop-goal could win the game, Burrow popped up to do what he does best. With the defence getting organised, he squeezed his way over the line to break the stubborn resolve of Rovers. Sinfield kicked the straightforward conversion to give his side a 6-0 lead with 20 minutes to play.

After waiting so long for the first try, two more arrived in quick succession. Liam Sutcliffe finished off a great move down the Rhinos' right involving Briscoe and Watkins.

In their next set, the Rhinos scored again when McGuire's kick through was grounded by Ablett before Burns could get his hands under the ball.

Sinfield kicked all three conversion to make it 18-0 to the Rhinos.

Rovers' response was to go down the field and score their first try as the game took a bizarre twist and points came quickly.

Hodgson read the defence superbly to sneak through and score near the posts, before Burns added the extras for 18-6 with 11 minutes left to play.

If Costigan had not been held up shortly after, it would have set up a very tense finale.

In the end, Leeds sealed a hard-fought win with a McGuire try. Sinfield gave him the pass after a great break and the skipper duly converted to put Rovers out of their misery.

The final act came from Burrow, who dummied his way through to score and Sinfield converted.

Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positives for Chester to take from a game where Leeds needed their big guns to get out of jail.

A MUM whose daughter died in her arms is to be guest of honour at this weekend's Race For Life in Hull.

Emma Whitfield was devastated when her daughter Evie Kean, nine, died in January, ten months after she was diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain tumour.

Now, Emma and an 18-strong team of women called Evie's Angels will take part in Race For Life this weekend.

Emma, 32, said: "Taking part in Race For Life is my way of fighting back against cancer for taking Evie."

Thousands of women are expected to take part in the race in Hull's Queens Gardens on Sunday.

Emma, a lunchtime supervisor from west Hull, said: "It was a terrible shock when Evie was diagnosed with cancer. I just couldn't believe it was happening to my beautiful little girl."

Evie first became ill in December 2012 but her high temperatures were thought to be caused by a virus. However, just weeks later, Evie fainted at Penhurst Primary School in Hessle and was taken to A&E at Hull Royal Infirmary.

Doctors discovered Evie, who loved gymnastics and cross-country running, had an abnormality on her brain and she was sent to Leeds General Infirmary for further tests.

In March last year, Evie's family learned she had an inoperable brain tumour and was given just months to live.

Evie underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and her family enjoyed a trip to Lapland to meet Santa at Christmas.

However, her condition began to deteriorate and she lost her fight for life in January, dying in her mum's arms.

Emma, who is also mum to Lottie, four, and Riley, three, said: "Evie was just amazing – she kept going all the time.

"Even after Christmas, she went back to school. She loved maths and didn't want to miss out.

"The weekend before she died, she had been very unwell. On the Monday morning, I lifted her out of bed and we sat snuggled up on the sofa together and she died there in my arms – happy and peaceful – and I'm so glad it happened that way."

Emma is taking part in her first Race for Life in memory of her daughter.

She said: "I miss her every single day and I can't put into words the devastation that losing her has brought us.

"It's going to be an incredibly emotional event, but I know Evie would want me to do it and that by taking part I'll be helping other families have more precious time with their loved ones."

SHE has raised £12,000 through an annual fun day to help fight meningitis after losing her six-year-old son to the infection.

But Claire Newman says today's fundraiser, in 27th Avenue, North Hull estate, where she lives with her family, will be the last.

Liam Newman died on October 1, 2007, within hours of showing symptoms of the deadly meningitis B strain of the infection.

Claire, 37, feels she can now take a well-deserved break from fundraising activities after scientists found a vaccine for meningitis B, which looks to be rolled out soon.

She said: "It's going to be the last fun day we hold for Liam.

"It's been hard work, but it's made me feel happy that we have done something to help find a vaccine for meningitis and raise some awareness."

Claire hopes the people of north Hull will help make the final event a roaring success.

She said: "The support our family has had over the years has been absolutely brilliant. "I would love as many people as possible to come down to 27th Avenue and get involved in the last fun day we will be holding.

"There will be the usual fun and games, including a tug of war, raffles and various stalls."

Claire, who has another son, Luke, 19, and daughter Kirsty, 18, says the fun day has given her family focus and helped them come to terms with their loss.

She said: "It was a massive shock to our family losing Liam. It's heartbreaking.

"It's nearly seven years, but it seems like only yesterday. I can remember every detail.

"The fun day has really helped us all."

Liam would have celebrated his 14th birthday later this year. Claire said: "I think he would have been a happy teenager.

"He loved his football and cars. He'd be spending his spare time mending cars."

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, the expert body that advises the Government on vaccinations, has recommended babies be given the meningitis B vaccine from two months of age.

Last year, the committee ruled in an interim report that the vaccine should not be introduced, because it was not cost-effective.

This caused an outcry from campaigners and in January 118 paediatricians, nurses and scientists wrote to Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, pressing for the committee to reconsider.

The backing for the Bexsero vaccine is on condition that it can be delivered on a "cost-effective" basis.

PHOTOS: A bit of keepy-uppy by @29_JL before last night's training session in Portugal #UTTpic.twitter.com/MCNYoT0Eu7

— Hull City Official (@hullcityteam) July 12, 2014

KEVIN Locke will make his home debut for Salford Red Devils against Hull FC tonight with the club's owner tipping him to be a player fans will pay to watch.

Salford supremo Marwan Koukash has compared Locke to Sam Tomkins, the player who took away Locke's position at New Zealand Warriors, prompting his move to Super League.

Ahead of Locke's first game at the AJ Bell Stadium, Koukash has already labelled the New Zealand international a player who will set Super League alight.

"Locke is going to have a huge impact on Super League – that is a fact. He is a very special player," said Koukash.

"This is why he is here at Salford.

"I used to watch Wigan just to watch and marvel at Sam Tomkins. People are going to do the same with Salford simply to see Locke's brilliance.

"He is one of those players who can do special things and make the game what it is."

Koukash may be piling the pressure on Salford's new full-back, but his words have justification if Locke's debut display is anything to go by.

Locke played at Huddersfield four days after stepping off the plane from New Zealand and turned in a hugely-impressive display with a try and six goals helping inspire the Red Devils to a surprise win.

"He was physically sick after one session but made it perfectly clear he wanted to play against Huddersfield," added Koukash.

"That showed Kevin's professionalism and how very determined he is to show what he can bring and do here.

"He went out against Huddersfield and showed what he is all about.

"We had young Niall Evalds on the bench just in case things did not work out for Kevin, but he was a sensation and this is further clear proof of a truly world-class player,"

The gauntlet is laid down, now the Salford fans will be expecting to see an impact this evening.

HOPE springs eternal at the Hull FC training ground. Lying 11th in the Super League table, it's not been a season for celebrations but such is the mood in the Hull camp neither is it a time for contemplation or commiseration.

While eight defeats by the smallest of margins have highlighted Hull's need to be both clinical and smarter with the ball, it's also offered a resolve and confidence among the group that the play-offs are more than within reach.

Thrown in front of the media spotlight this week, Dean Hadley wasted little time searching for the positives as FC head into round 20 and a game of great significance at Salford.

"It's been very frustrating so far this year. There's been one standout game where we haven't been in it, and that was Wigan at home," he explained.

"The rest we have all competed in well, but it's come down to poor decision making and errors.

"When you look at the losses, it's been one, two or three points and it's frustrating.

"The mood in the camp is really good, though, and that's what's making things frustrating. We're training well and everyone's bouncing and training hard. You can't put your finger on it.

"The top eight is definitely within reach. All it takes is a few back-to-back victories and a couple of results to go our way and you're right back in it again."

For a team that has won just two of their last nine games, going on a run could seem like an insurmountable task.

And yet, for all Hadley's confidence, it isn't misplaced.

Hull haven't been outclassed since their defeat to Wigan in early May and should have won many of the games that failed to bring victories. Their own failings have conspired to make sure that is not the case, but knowing the issue exists is at least going someway to helping the side resolve it.

With 16 points still to play for, and a few twists and turns guaranteed to come before the end of the campaign, getting back to winning ways is all-important tonight, no matter how the victory comes.

"We've got eight games left including tonight, and every one of those is a must-win," conceded Hadley.

"Whether it's a scrappy performance, we need a win and that's the end of it.

"Obviously, you'd love to perform really well and get the win but at the end of the day, we need to win. We can't afford to be dropping more points or the top eight will be out of reach."

The objective is clear, with Hadley set to return to the starting line-up up in an effort to play his part in securing a much-needed victory.

The 21-year-old's presence will take the average age of Lee Radford's side down even further, joining the likes of Jamie Shaul, Josh Bowden, Callum Lancaster, Tom Lineham and possibly Jordan Abdull.

"The youngsters have got to step up and play against these big names for Salford, but these kids are good enough to do that," added Hadley.

"They're not just in the side because there's no other choice, they're in there because they can play.

"There's no reason why they can't out-perform their opposite numbers and we get the win tonight."