A peacock who was rescued from a cramped cage and rehomed has died.

Four peacocks were moved to the grounds of a private home following a campaign to free them from a cage in Chalkwell Park, Westcliff last year.

It has now emerged one of the birds was put to sleep after falling ill.

The campaign was spearheaded by Labour councillor Julian Ware-Lane who died this month.

After attempting to follow the birds’ progress without success, Stephen Aylen, independent councillor for Belfairs ward, submitted an FOI request to the council.

In its response, the council said: “ The large male and two smaller females are doing fine and enjoying life. Unfortunately the large older female had to be put down by a vet a couple of months ago.

“She had an extremely bad eye infection that rendered her almost blind. This could not be treated with drugs hence she was euthanised.”

Mr Aylen said: “I asked about them ages ago to try to find out what happened to them.

“It was a bit worrying because they were very tame and they were going to outside for the first time which might have scared them.

“I did ask where they were going but they said they couldn’t tell me that.”

Mr Aylen added: “Julian Ware-Lane was the main person behind this and with him passing away I was keen to find out how they were.

“There is no information on whether they are on a cage or running around free and we have no idea of the conditions they are being kept in. I was surprised at the news. I didn’t expect that to be honest.”

Mr Ware-Lane put forward a motion for the birds to be moved after more than 50 years in the park enclosure.

The motion proved successful when Ann Holland, councillor responsible for culture, tourism and the economy, announced they were to be rehomed on a 24-acre private estate in February last year.

Speaking at the time, Mr Ware-Lane said: "I’m delighted but in many ways it will be sad not to have the menagerie at Chalkwell but times have moved on and animal rights are important.

“All credit to the administration for doing this.”

The peafowl were brought to Chalkwell Park as part of a petting zoo for residents to visit. The zoo once included monkeys, goats and eventually even a bear.

Before the decision on the council sought advice from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds on where best to rehome the birds.