A FAMILY have been left heartbroken after the memorial tree they planted following their mother’s death was removed from Wat Tyler Park.

Aaron Phillips, 43, was left furious after going to visit the tree in the Pitsea park on Mother’s Day but found it had been removed.

The tree was planted by Aaron and his family 11 years ago as a lasting memorial to their mother, Beverley Philips, who loved visiting Wat Tyler Park.

Echo: Family - Aaron with his sisters and his mum Family - Aaron with his sisters and his mum (Image: Newsquest)

Aaron claims he has now been told that it was removed because it had “a disease”, however he is disappointed no one told him or his sister the tree was going to be dug up.

Basildon Council say notices were put on "several trees" and have offered the family a free replacement tree.

Aaron said: “I paid for this tree to be planted myself 11 years ago in memory of my late mother and was told it would be there forever.

“This tree was planted so me and the rest of the family could have somewhere to go. It is such a special thing to have.

“My niece went down there just after Mother’s Day to find it had been removed.

“It is shocking and awful. I am disgusted that a healthy, memorial tree can just be removed. My family and I are beside ourselves.”

There are a number of sites across the Basildon that offer memorial benches or trees, including Wat Tyler Country Park.

The trees are planted after a fee is paid to the council.

Aaron lost his mum Beverley Phillips, aged 63, in August 2011 and tree was planted shortly after.

He added: “I don’t know where the tree is now.

“Some years ago, it got vandalised, but it grew back even stronger.

“My family took pleasure in saying it was just like our mum, never giving up.

“If they had put a notice of intent to remove it, or let us know, I could have possibly tried to take it and put it in my garden as it was special to us.

“It is memorable tree. I just believe it has been taken away.”

In response, a spokesman for Basildon Council said: “We conduct regular checks on memorial trees in our parks to prevent the spread of disease or die back.

"On Tuesday, October 17, 2023 notices were placed on several trees which were showing signs of disease.

"The notices invited families to contact the council to make arrangements for a replacement tree. The affected trees were subsequently removed Monday, January 29, 2024.

“As per the council’s policy, we have retained any memorial plaques on display and would be pleased to support the family with arrangements for a replacement tree at no cost.”