ART enthusiasts gathered to pay tearful fearwell to much-loved statue – and expressed their anger at the way it has been “dumped” into storage.

The Woodsman Poacher – a fixture in St Martin’s Square since 1996 – was taken down last week to make way for the town clock.

Basildon Council made the decision to remove the sculpture by local artist Dave Chapple, who died in November, aged 77, and said it would be put in storage until a new home is found for it, in Wat Tyler Park, Pitsea.

Artists, heritage lobbyists, and friends and family of Mr Chapple are furious with the council for removing the popular piece.

Last week Woodsman fans placed a wreath of red roses on the spot where the statue used to stand.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vin Harrop, head of heritage project Our Basildon, said: “It has been dumped at Wat Tyler Park in the yard, just like a bit of old junk.

“Poor old Dave Chapple, he lived for his art and would have died a broken man if he had seen what has become of his pride and joy.

“This was the most photographed piece of public art for miles around and it is with a great sense of remorse we have allowed it to be taken away.”

Basildon Council has defended its decision, and said the statue will be seen by more people in its new home.

Councillors also argue the town clock, which was removed from its original place in High Pavement about five years ago when work started on building a new lift there, will look great in the Woodsman’s spot.

However, opposition to the council’s decision has been growing steadily.

A group called “Save The Woodsman Sculpture in Basil-don” has been set up on social networking site, Facebook, and currently has 315 members.

Local artist Elizabeth Grant, 52, of Florence Way, Langdon Hills, who was also at the wreath-laying ceremony said: “We all feel a sense of loss about the Woodsman going.

“A lot of people want to see it come back.”

Geoff Williams, Lib Dem councillor for Nethermayne, said: “When politicians try to determine public taste in matters artistic we are entering dangerous waters indeed.”

Basildon’s favourite puppet pensioner, Old Man Stan, who has attracted a cult following through a string of YouTube videos, has joined the chorus.

A statement on his website said: “The Woodsman stood there for years and was much loved by the people of Basildon. It was a landmark in our town.”