A BLAZING row has broken out after an “offensive” plaque saw an installation removed from a Shoebury park.

Gabriella Hirst, artist and creator of An English Garden, claims her work has now been removed from Gunners Park after “complaints and threats” were made by Southend Tory councillors.

The plaque had intended to highlight the site’s proximity to the ranges where Britain assembled its early atomic weaponry in the 1950s.

But Tony Cox, Tory leader of the opposition, said it had offended residents.

The plaque read: “In 1952, Britain’s first atomic device was assembled at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment on Foulness Island, only six miles from this location.

“This weaponry was tested not on British soil, but instead was sent to Australia where it was detonated on unceded indigenous land, causing enduring devastation and contamination.

“It is rumoured that these early devices were dispatched from Barge Pier here in Gunners Park.”

Ms Hirst claims the team were given a 48 hour ultimate to “remove the work”, which critically reflected upon Britain’s nuclear history.

Mr Cox, said: “We had a series of complaints from residents who saw it, including resident associations, who came to us. The plaque implied that these atomic weapons were set off from Gunners Park to Australia, and implied it was residents that sent the atomic weapons to be tested.

“It was also put in the middle of the Garrison, which was a base for troops in the Second World War.

“It’s just so offensive.

“It is insensitive and now we are accused of being bullies when standing up for people who are deeply offended by it.”

The Old Waterworks and Metal, who commissioned the work, said they were “shocked, dismayed and incredibly disappointed” at the move, insisting it was designed to help people consider the “complicated” history of Essex in UK nuclear history.

In a statement, the board of trustees, said: “ The councillors set unrealistic ultimatums and deadlines regarding the work’s removal, forcing decisions to be made in such a way that put unnecessary and unfair pressure on all those involved with the work’s production.

“It was of course not the intent of the work to cause any offence to anyone, particularly residents, but to encourage those that visit the garden to contemplate the complex history of Essex in the UK’s nuclear story, which is very complicated.”

The board said the Tories had “misinterpreted” the work and that there had been “no other negative responses” during the installation.