THE family of "Traveller King" William Collins have vowed to fight threats to demolish his huge headstone and have even got SECURITY to guard it.

       The 37-ton memorial honours bare-knuckle boxer Big Willy and is thought to be the UK’s largest private grave.

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       This 37-ton marble headstone is believed to be the biggest in Britain Credit: SWNS 3

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

       Willy, who was known as the "King of Sheffield", died in July 2020 after collapsing aged 49 while on holiday with his family.

       His devastated loved ones created a colossal shrine to the dad-of-nine, crafted from solid Carrara marble imported from Italy.

       But an extraordinary row has now erupted after the council said the extravagant headstone does not conform with their regulations and permission was never granted for its erection.

       The 37-ton monument features two life sized statues of the prominent traveller and is adorned by four Irish tri-colours.

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

       Willy's distraught daughter has hit out at the council's claims and declared her family would protect their tribute at all costs.

       She claimed the Sheffield City Council were well aware of their grand plans and had "signed it off".

       The brood have now roped in a security firm to guard the bare-knuckle fighter's grave, as well as putting up CCTV cameras.

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       Furious Mary told the Sun: "I do not understand why they would take against this tribute to my father.

       "Any attempt to have us take this down would be fought legally as it would be a blatant matter of racism.

       "The Council knew what we were doing. They signed it off. The footings were down for months and it took the builders two weeks to construct the headstone so they had plenty of chances to raise objections.

       "I have read peoples’ comments about it and many of them are vile and racist and are just using this as an excuse to have a go at our community.

       "It’s not even the tallest monument in the cemetery. There is one to the first Bishop of Sheffield that is taller than this."

       Other relatives echoed Mary's pledge to take on the "outrageous" threats from the council to tear it down.

       I do not understand why they would take against this tribute to my father.

       Mary Collins

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

       One of his nieces, Nan Maughan, 26, said: "My uncle should be allowed to rest in peace not have people arguing over his final resting place. It is totally disrespectful.

       "It would be absolutely outrageous if the family were asked to take it down. It is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful man."

       The controversial monument sits in the Roman Catholic section of Sheffield’s Shiregreen cemetery.

       Several other plots are taken up by the Collins family and there is even a paper globe at the entrance with the words, "Collins Way".

       Another family member paying his respects to Big Willy said of his headstone: "I think it looks beautiful. How could anyone think of taking it down?

       "It is an amazing tribute. Elvis was the king of rock n roll but not even he had anything like this."

       COUNCIL SPAT

       In a new statement released this morning, Sheffield City Council seemed to row back on their threat to take action under planning law.

       Cllr Alison Teal, Executive Member for Sustainable Neighbourhoods, Wellbeing, Parks and Leisure: "Sheffield City Council approved plans for a memorial, however the plans which were submitted and approved differ from the memorial now in place.

       "This was not fully appreciated until after the structure was fully unveiled.

       "We have reached out to the family and intend to discuss changes which need to be made in order to satisfy the cemetery rules and take into consideration other cemetery users.

       "It would not be appropriate to discuss the details further as this is a sensitive matter and we wish to speak with the family fully in the coming days."

       Willy 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.

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       Pictures of the incredible funeral cortege showed 30 Rolls Royces lined up on Pitsmoor Road along with a convoy of quad bikes and mopeds.

       Horses trotted behind Willy's casket, which was carried to the cemetery in a horse drawn carriage.

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