On 17 September 2008 a 2-metre high, 130-metre long fence was erected across the historic public quay at Mistley, Essex. It blocked access to and from the River Stour ending 500 years of free access to the water. Local campaigners, 'Free the Quay' claimed that landowner Michael Parker of Trent Wharfage willfully disregarded the public's established rights to access the quay and the quayside, to moor boats, swim, fish, and feed Mistley's famous swans.

Following many years of protests and campaigning, supported by the East Coast OGA, the High Court handed down his judgement on TW Logistics Ltd v Essex County Council on 14 February 2017.

The Court ruled in favour of Essex County Council and said the quay must be 'accessible to all'. 'Free the Quay' have fought tirelessly for this result, raising all legal fees through fundraising activities. Some fees are still outstanding so FTQ will produce The Mistley Cookbook with all proceeds going to pay these fees. Please submit your recipes and visit the Facebook page for details.

Simon Bullimore, Chairman of Free the Quay said: “I am delighted with the outcome of the court case and would like to thank the whole community who have continued to support us. I am confident that in due course the fence will be removed. However, consent for appeal on limited grounds is a possibility for TWL but we won’t know for a couple of weeks if they decide to appeal. We hope, however, that Mr Parker will finally see sense and enter into dialogue with us, as we have always proposed, about a more suitable barrier”.

There will be a celebration of our victory on the Quay on Sunday 26 February from 12.30 to 3 pm. Please come along, bring your family and friends and enjoy food, drink and fun.

For more information, including details of how you can help to support 'Free the Quay' in their fundraising, visit the Free the Quay website.

Visit the Gallery of photos showing OGA boats supporting the campaign over the past few years.