CAMPAIGNERS say they will "not rest" until a fence is removed from their village green.
The Free the Quay group wants to see the 1.8-metre high metal fence, which was put up by port owner TW Logistics, pulled down at Mistley Quay.
The fence, which was put up in 2008 after the Health and Safety Executive raised concerns, sparked years of legal battles with residents claiming it obstructed their views of the River Stour.
The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by TW Logistics, upholding the village green registration for the quay, in 2021.
But to this day the 6ft fence still remains.
Old - Mistley residents think that the current barrier is an eyesore (Image: PR)
The residents of Mistley are frustrated with the lack of action taken to improve this space on the quay and a resolution is yet to be established between Mistley residents, TW Logistics, and Essex County Council.
Simon Bulllimore is the co-founder and chairman of the organisation, Free The Quay. A group that was formed 15 years ago in response to the barrier’s placement.
They believe the current barrier is dangerous, aged, and an eyesore.
The right idea - The members of Free the QUAY believe a barrier like this one in Rowhedge may be more suitable (Image: PR)
Simon claims that Essex County Council needs to step in to facilitate a plan to resolve the issue.
He said: “Essex County Council is indeed ultimately responsible for ensuring that effective health and safety measures are carried out for the wellbeing of all residents of the county.
“In this case their powers derive from the Local Government Act 1972 and the Commons Act 1876.”
Commenting on the situation, Essex County Council stated it has no responsibility for the quay's health and safety.
A spokesman said: “Essex County Council is the registration authority and is required by law to act impartially when considering applications.
"An independent inspector recommended that the land was registered. We registered the land and defended our decision in court.
"The county council has no enforcement powers or responsibility for healthy and safety at the quay."
This Sunday, at 11am, Free The Quay will host a public event at the quayside village green in Mistley to inform the public of the latest developments on this issue.
The Harwich and Manningtree Standard has reached out to TW Logistics for a statement.
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