A MOTHER was left devastated after she found a plaque had been torn down at the site where her son died.

Toni Jopson’s son Neil died in a motorbike crash in Lower Road, Hullbridge, nearly five years ago.

Her one comfort was to pay regular visits to the telegraph pole where Neil, 34, died to see a plaque in his memory.

However, there has been repair work at the pole and the three-foot sign has been removed.

Mrs Jopson said: “I’m not against them taking it down to redo what they’ve got to do, but put it back or put it in a different place on the site.

“His mates have even looked in the ditch in case they’ve dumped it there.

“Somebody hasn’t got a feeling for somebody else’s loss. If the boot was on the other foot, they would be hollering too.”

The plastic sign had a red flower on it and said ‘Remember’ along with Neil’s name, date of birth, and the day he died.

Mrs Jopson, who lives in Rayleigh, said she had permission to place it there and it was an important deterrent to teenagers who drive dangerously.

She added: “It’s a reminder to all kids of his age group and younger that he was killed on a motorbike there. They’ve actually slowed down there. It’s worked in a lot of ways.”

Mrs Jopson has been taking part in a scheme called Road Runner to tell others about the importance of safe driving.

She talks to youngsters about her loss, and she says a bunch of flowers always appears at the site after she does a speech.

She said: “It doesn’t matter how long it was ago, it’s still like it was yesterday. Kids aren’t supposed to go before their parents.”

BT said it would be investigating the situation.