MORE than a decade after a two-metre high metal fence was installed along Mistley Quay, the final appeal in the Supreme Court is due to be heard this week.

Campaigners have been fighting against the fence since it was put up by port owners TW Logistics in 2008.

Twelve years on, residents are still locked in a battle to try and get the fence taken down.

The quay was registered as a village green in 2014 after public inquiry, but TW Logistics challenged the decision at the High Court which was turned down in 2016.

In 2018 a further challenge went to the High Court of Appeal with the port owners arguing if the quay was a village green it would deny the port owners lawful on-going use of the quayside.

But the appeal was rejected.

The final appeal in the Supreme Court of the case against them is due to be heard tomorrow and Wednesday (December 2 and 3).

The group called Free the Quay (FTQ), which has led the campaign, has been advised the prospects of success in the Supreme Court are good and FTQ is grateful to Essex County Council for its continued support defending the uninterrupted use of the quay.

Simon Bullimore, chairman of FTQ, said: "This use is particularly appreciated by those walking on and enjoying the views from the quay in these difficult times when the peace and tranquillity of the water’s edge is a particular benefit.

"The Supreme Court will be hearing the case remotely as is the normal these days.

"We do hope that all those who are interested will be able to observe the proceedings which will also be available as a recording for some time after on the Supreme Court website."

The proceedings can be viewed by the public via www.supremecourt.uk/index.html.

TW Logistics has been contacted for a comment.