Billericay residents have got the hump after it was confirmed that a tree stump which has been a feature in the High Street for many years is to be removed.

It is set to be felled just weeks after it has had Christmas lights wrapped around it.

Called Mr Stumpy, the branchless lime tree is situated next to the War Memorial in the town centre.

But, after discovering the tree had contracted a disease, Basildon Council gave permission for it to be felled.

One resident, James Bishop, of Perry Street, said: “It is such a shame as it has been a feature of the High Street for so long. One minute it is adorned with Christmas lights, the next it is going to be axed.

“Surely something could have been done?

“I was talking about it down the pub and a lot of people are really upset.”

The removal is being organised by the Billericay and Little Burstead Team Ministry and team rector, the Reverend Paul Carr, wrote a letter to residents explaining the situation.

He said: “Back in October, when the lime tree situated in the War Memorial was first heavily pruned, 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, the 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 Council has given permission for this tree to be felled as a matter of urgency.”

So Reverend Carr has urged Billericay residents to say their farewell to the tree before it is finally felled

He added: “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.”

Billericay Town Clerk, Deborah Tonkiss, said that the town council supports Basildon Council’s decision.

She said: “We understand that a lot of people are getting upset about this but the tree is not savable.”

The tree stump is expected to be removed in the next six to nine days.