Maurice
Surtees and
his 'listed building!
During
the mid 1990's the allotments and pigeon crees on a site in Ryhope (Nr.
Sunderland) became threatened by the expansion plan of a major national
supermarket chain. The site occupants, lead by Maurice Surtees, drew huge
public sympathy for their plight with skilful approaches to the media.
What eventually won the day for the allotment holders was when Maurice
was successful in having his 1953 pigeon cree designated a Class 2 Listed
building! Maurice is now referred to as the 'Lord of the Manor' or 'Sir
Maurice' by his friends.
Billy
