VANDALS have damaged a replica pier tram named after Sir David Amess beyond repair and it has now been dismantled.
The model of one of the first ever trams to run the length of Southend Pier was displayed at the top of Pier Hill, in February, last year, and was named after the former Southend West MP following his tragic death.
After concerned residents took to social media to query why it had been removed, Southend Council confirmed it had repeatedly suffered from graffiti and vandalism since being put in place.
As a result, the model of one of the 1898 electric pier trams has been dismantled and removed.
Responding to the incident, Daniel Cowan, the leader of the council, said: “It is deeply, deeply sad to hear.
“I certainly hope the vandals are caught and appropriately reprimanded.”
A spokesman for the council added it was decided that the new Sir David Amess statue, on Chalkwell Esplanade, should be the main tribute to the much-loved former MP.
Sponsored by a fundraising campaign and a generous donation from businessman Dr Vijay Patel, the sculpture by Andrew Lilley stands as a testament to the late MP’s legacy.
A spokesman for the council said: “After suffering some graffiti and vandalism whilst in situ, and with the unveiling of the official Sir David Amess statue on Chalkwell Esplanade earlier this year, key stakeholders agreed the replica pier train should be removed and dismantled, and the statue rightly given the prominence and focus on the seafront that it deserves.”
The model tram was the centre piece at Southend Council’s display at the 2022 Hampton Court Flower Festival Garden.
And the tram was named after Sir David Amess for the RHS Flower show in agreement with Lady Amess.
The family have now been made aware of the vandalism to the model tram and the decision for it to be permanently removed.
The model was funded by Southend Council’s BID scheme and has been a tourist attraction for just over a year.
Sir David’s killer, Ali Harbi Ali, was found guilty of murder and handed a whole-life prison term at the Old Bailey in 2022.
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