Farewell to Mr Stumpy

Hi everyone,

Back in October, when the Lime tree situated in the War Memorial was first pollarded (for Health and Safety reasons) I commented on Facebook that it might be necessary, at some point in the future, to remove this tree.

Unfortunately, this tree (affectionately known as 'Mr Stumpy') has been diagnosed with 'Kretzschmaria Deusta' (this is a fungus which causes severe decay and brittleness and means the tree is likely to fall down at any moment). Basildon Borough Council have given permission/notice for this tree to be felled as a matter of urgency.

I am currently moving forward on this with the Parochial Church Council, Chelmsford Diocese and the Town Council and I expect the necessary paperwork to be in place in the next 7 to 10 days.

In the meantime, the Town Council are making arrangements for the Christmas lights on Mr Stumpy to be removed.

Because of this, you might want - sooner rather than later - to take a photo of Mr Stumpy for your memory box, or even give it a hug, before a much loved feature of our community is removed, permanently, from the skyline.

Thank you for your understanding.

Revd Paul A. Carr

Team Rector

Billericay & Little Burstead Team Ministry