Sir David Amess tributes 'to returned' after 'disappearing'

Former Southend West MP, Sir David Amess, was murdered on October 15, 2021, at a constituency surgery in Leigh.

In his memory, a statue was unveiled in Chalkwell, surrounded by floral tributes. There were also photos and floral tributes at Chalkwell Lifeguards HQ.

Tributes - Former MP Anna Firth was left furious (Image: Anna Firth)

However, on Friday morning, fury erupted when the various tributes all “disappeared”.

The Echo understands the tributes may have been removed in error amid concerns from residents about dead flowers at the memorial points.

Southend West MP David Burton-Sampson confirmed a message from residents had been passed from his office to Southend Council.

Shock - Floral tributes and photos 'disappear' (Image: Anna Firth)

Mr Burton-Sampson said: “The statue of Sir David Amess is a testament to the devoted work he undertook for this constituency. It is respected by the whole community and provides a permanent focus for residents to pay tributes.

“The testament of freshly renewed flowers provides a living memory of the former MP, and I am pleased to hear that the council are willing to maintain this area moving forward.

“I am sure politicians from all political parties would agree that it is important for MPs to represent resident’s views and for their office to pass them on efficiently to relevant bodies, as has happened in this case. It is a matter for the council to respond to such concerns as they see appropriate.

“I am keen to work with the Amess family and those close to him to look at a permanent celebration of his life at the lifeguard station.”

Together - Community lay more flowers down around the statue (Image: Anna Firth)

Former Southend West MP Anna Firth, who helped get the statue put in place, added: “I really think this is an insult to the family and to his memory.

“I am delighted to say that the usual buckets of flowers will be put back today at the Sir David statue and that some lovely residents have already started putting things right themselves.

“The important thing is that all well that ends well. Our tributes to Sir David in Chalkwell are precious and should be respected forever.”