A HUGE headstone for traveller king Big Willy Collins could be torn down less than a week after it was erected – as a council claims his family did not have permission to create it.

       The memorial is thought to be the UK’s largest private grave, and honours bare-knuckle boxer Willy who died after collapsing in Majorca.

       6

       This 37-ton marble headstone is believed to be the biggest in Britain Credit: SWNS 6

       It features a solar-powered jukebox but could be ripped down Credit: SWNS 6

       Bare knuckle boxer Big Willy Collins died on holiday in Majorca Credit: SWNS 6

       Sheffield Council have claimed that the family did not have permission to erect the memorial Credit: SWNS

       Willy was also known as the “King of Sheffield” and died in July 2020 after collapsing aged 49 while on holiday with his family.

       The 37-ton monument has two life sized statues of the dad-of-nine and is crafted from solid Carrara marble imported from Italy.

       Other features include four flagpoles, depictions of Jesus Christ and biblical scenes, and a solar-powered jukebox playing his favourite tracks.

       But Sheffield Council have now claimed that his family did not get granted permission for it to be erected.

       READ MORE UK NEWS

       SEASON'S HEATINGS Brits to swelter through one of the hottest springs EVER as temps hit 29C

       BODY HORROR Builder whose body was found in garden is pictured as partner accused of murder

       Councillor Alison Teal, Executive Member for Sustainable Neighbourhoods, Wellbeing, Parks and Leisure, said: “All plans for grave memorials should be submitted to the council and must receive approval from Bereavement Services before they are erected.

       “For submissions, applicants must provide several details, including the material and size of the memorial, the proposed inscription and a sketch.

       "A memorial should be less than 75mm thick and no taller than 1.35m from ground level.

       “We are aware of a large memorial which has been erected in Shiregreen Cemetery. This memorial was built without permission and we are currently considering our next steps.

       Most read in The Sun

       FLATTENED Incredible pictures show five mansions worth ￡1million reduced to rubble

       NO SON OF MINE Son Heung-Min brutally mocked for going down as ball is kicked against him

       WETFLIX & CHILL Katie Price reveals huge new boobs in Thailand with fiance Carl Woods

       NOWHERE TO HIDE Moment Russian 'Z' tank blasted in dramatic Call Of Duty-style footage

       “Cemeteries are a place where people can come, pay their respects and visit loved ones who are no longer with us.

       "We understand memorials are deeply personal, however we must have rules in place to ensure fairness.”

       But the Collins family disputes the claim and insists they had permission for the headstone.

       Willy's widow, Kathleen Collins, told the Sheffield Star: “We own the land and we do have planning permission.

       “The council haven't contacted me or anyone from the family to raise any concerns. If they do have any issue with it they should contact us directly.

       “It's just because it's all over the media and there's a lot of hate that this is happening.

       “They watched it getting built every day without saying anything, and it wasn't done in a day. It took two weeks to get finished.”

       'WE HAVE PERMISSION'

       Willy's eldest daughter, Mary Collins, 30, said the headstone was a send-off to "the best father in the world".

       She said: "It's a sad day but it's also a way to show the world what he meant to us.

       "Our father was a family man and he means the world to us - he still means the world to us.

       "We've given him everything we've got and he deserves it."

       Big Willy’s family have been keeping an eye on the huge memorial, as it is under 24-hour CCTV monitoring.

       It also includes depictions of Jesus and Mary, and a replica of Michaelangelo's famous Pietra statue in Florence.

       One of 16 children, Willy was the patriarch of the Collins family and had around 400 nieces and nephews.

       Read More on The Sun

       FLATTENED Incredible pictures show five mansions worth ￡1million reduced to rubble

       UNDER ATACK Emily Atack 'bombarded' with horrific messages after 'photo leaks' online

       He moved to Sheffield from Ireland as a child in 1980 and brought up his own family in the city.

       Hundreds of mourners lined the streets last August for Big Willy's funeral as his gold-plated coffin was carried on a horse-drawn carriage.

       6

       Willy was remembered by his nine children and 400 nieces and nephews Credit: SWNS 6

       The grave in Sheffield features ornate religious statues and Irish flags Credit: SWNS We pay for your stories!

       Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?

       Email us at exclusive@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours

       Click here to get The Sun newspaper delivered for FREE for the next six weeks.