Animal-lovers are celebrating after they were granted access to a meadow they plan to use as a wildlife haven.

Victorious - Julie Menzies with supporters Camilla Appleby, Alice Fleet, Robin Garton, George Gray and Maureen Eldred outside court yesterday. (38128-1)

Julie Menzies, of the Willow Sanctuary project, was all smiles outside Colchester County Court yesterday after District Judge Charles Molle ruled she had a legal right of way to the land off Thorpe Road, Kirby Cross.

Mrs Menzies gained possession of the field when her ex-husband sold Willow Farm, of which it was once part, and decided to use the land to realise her dream of creating an animal hospital and refuge.

But her plans looked scuppered when Gary and Gillian Boot bought the lane which leads both to the meadow and their own home - and put a gate across it.

As Willow Farm itself has passed to new owners, the lane is now the only way of getting to the sanctuary site without trespassing.

The Boots told the court there had for many years been a gate at the spot, and denied Mrs Menzies' claim there had historically been a right of way to the meadow via the lane.

But past owners of Willow Farm said they had always entered the site there without asking permission.

Passing judgment, Judge Molle said: "I am satisfied that the right of access belongs to Mrs Menzies and it is a right she can confer on anyone that she gives permission."

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Published Wednesday, September 8, 2004

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