CAMPAIGNERS made their last stand at Camp Cuckoo as Southend Council felled the trees there.

Following Thursday's High Court ruling, members of the camp, at Priory Crescent, were forced to leave, but have continued to keep an eye on the site.

The road was closed to traffic at about 4am on Saturday and letters were posted through the doors of surrounding houses to inform them about the work.

A team of bailiffs arrived on the site who met no resistance from the peaceful protestors as the tree felling began at 8am.

The work was completed by noon.

Anna Waite, Southend Council’s Executive Councillor for Planning and Transport, was pleased there had been no confrontation with protestors.

She said: “I am pleased the bailiffs have managed to take back possession of this piece of land for the Council without incident.

“Every effort was made to keep the disruption caused to local residents and motorists to a minimum and the trees were removed quicker than we expected.

“We can now get on with the preparation work for this vital road improvement project which will greatly benefit the town."