Bill Long has suddenly left ‘this mortal coil’, which has come as a terrible shock for his family, friends and many comrades.

There was no obvious clue his death was imminent although Bill had experienced a particularly stressful time in recent months – battling the authorities as usual and actually achieving a positive result.

His last cartoon – Bill was a fine artist – has winged its way to the offices of the Green Socialist magazine, which he regularly supplied with cartoons in recent years. I am proud to have two of his paintings on the wall above my bed. I will treat them with more respect than ever now.

Bill was a comrade and always supported – without ever joining – the Communist Party of Great Britain or latterly Epping Forest Green and Democratic Left.

Many more people in Loughton who didn’t actually know Bill personally knew about his illegal art graphics and enjoyed his spirited and lampooning graffiti that met drivers as they passed up Rectory Lane and saw his work on the walls of the electricity sub station.

Bill also single-handedly ‘attacked’ the bare hoarding around the Sainsbury’s site near Loughton station. But without the aid of a lookout he was captured bang to rights by a woman police officer. Bill gave up gracefully, like a gentleman.

The arrest wasn’t the problem, the issue was the massive fine he had to endure. No harm was done to any property, there was only the application of some controversial artwork.

On behalf of the members of Epping Forest Green and Democratic Left I declare our love and loss for our dear friend Bill.

And of course our love and condolences go to his family and especially to our mate Michael, Bill’s youngest son.

Pete Relph Secretary, Epping Forest Green and Democratic Left