Television Screen Collapses

Two firms have been fined more than £52,000 after a giant television screen in Birmingham city centre collapsed during the 2006 World Cup.

Media Control UK Ltd was ordered to pay £28,000 and Trapeze Rigging Ltd £24,000 at Birmingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to failing to protect the public.

No one was injured when the screen at Millennium Point blew over in strong winds just hours before the England against Sweden first-round match on 20 June 2006.

Witnesses reported seeing the six by 10 metre structure rocking backwards and forwards before it finally collapsed. All pre-match entertainment had to be cancelled but Birmingham City Council was able to track down a smaller replacement screen in time for the 8pm kick-off.

The site had been one of Europe's biggest "fan parks", with up to 3,000 people each having paid £3.50 for tickets to go and watch the game.

Copyright © PA Business 2008

David Urpeth from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "It is very fortunate that nobody was injured in this accident. Those who charge the public for goods/services or those who permit public access for free have a duty to ensure members of the public are safe.

"I welcome the fine imposed for this accident.

"I regularly represent people with claims for damages where they have suffered personal injury as members of the public. These cases can be against, councils, local authorities or third parties."