A STATUE of Sir David Amess should be a focal point on Southend Pier as a lasting tribute to the MP after his murder, a leading clergyman says.

The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, who is from Leigh and went to Belfairs School, says the move would be a perfect way to honour Sir David.

Support is now growing for the call to build a statue, with councillor John Lamb insisting it could be possible for just £60,000.

Speaking at the House of Lords, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, said: “This appalling murder happened in streets I know well, just around the corner from where my mum lives.

“When I was transferred to York, he thought this was another way of putting Southend on the map“The boy who went to a secondary modern school in Southend was now the 98th Archbishop of York. He was so pleased.

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“I reckon that now Southend has been declared a city, forget about a statue of Vera Lynn at Dover, we are going to put a statue of David Amess at the end of Southend Pier.”

Sir David had campaigned for a statue of Dame Vera to be installed in Dover prior to his death.

The Archbishop of York went on to tell the Lords that Christian love “was the source and substance of David Amess’s vision and values”.

Mr Lamb, Tory councillor and former mayor, raised concerns that the end of the pier may not be appropriate, but insisted it should be progressed.

Echo:

He said: “It would be possible but the end of the pier may not be the most suitable place as it would be open to the elements, sea air and salt water. If it was bronze it may be ok but it would be possible and I absolutely support this idea. It could have a plaque to show Sir David got us the city status.

“It needs to be brought to the council to work out what we could do about it and I think it wouldn’t cost too much money about £60,000.

“It would also be somewhere for residents to have a spiritual moment and remember Sir David and hopefully we can have a public subscription so residents can have part of it too.”