THE Canvey community is not able “to move on” as its rector remains suspended after five years despite being cleared by police of indecent assault allegations.

The Rev Canon David Tudor was arrested in April 2019. The investigation dropped by police in August 2022 and Mr Tudor faced no charges.

Despite this Mr Tudor remains suspended as team rector of the Parish of Canvey with church bosses saying this is due to an active Church of England investigation.

The Chelmsford Diocese was unable to give any timescale for when the investigation may conclude.

A spokesman said: “David Tudor remains suspended from his role as team rector of the Parish of Canvey Island while he continues to be subject to investigation under the Clergy Discipline Measure.

“We continue to work closely with the relevant statutory authorities and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected.”

Former councillor Ray Howard MBE believes the island’s Christian community has been left “in limbo” as a result of the suspension.

He said: “We won’t get a new priest while this is ongoing. Everyone is affected by this.

“It’s a joke, though I don’t blame the Chelmsford Diocese. We have tried to make representations.

“The Canvey community are really losing out right now and I find it disappointing.

“It is sad that this matter has taken so long and they won’t allow us to move on, I do just feel it is a disgrace, just a real shame.”

Mr Tudor has been rector of St Nicholas Church since 2006 and it was alleged the offence took place in the 1980s.

Mr Howard added that he has spoken with bishops in Chelmsford on behalf of Mr Tudor and “has made representations, as have lots of people”.

“We have tried absolutely everything at this point, which adds to the disgrace, I feel for his family,” he said.

“It is very sad.”

In 2008, Mr Tudor was appointed area Dean of Hadleigh, covering a patch from Canvey through Castle Point to Leigh, Westcliff and St Laurence’s parish in Eastwood.