​The Village Green Inquiry into the Application made by Ian Tucker for the registration of Mistley Quay as a Village Green ended its formal sessions at the Venture Centre, Lawford on Thursday 25 July 2013. The Inquiry had originally been planned to last for four days but was extended to eight days to hear all the evidence. The day was spent with the parties making closing submissions to the Inspector Mr Alun Alesbury. The final closing remarks were made by Nigel Farthing of Birketts LLP Ipswich who had represented Ian Tucker and FTQ throughout the hearing.

Throughout the whole of the hearing there was a large high level of attendance of Mistley residents. Last Thursday afternoon they heard a clear and comprehensive presentation by Mr Farthing of the reason why the Inspector should recommend the Registration of the Quay as a Village Green. There was a feeling of optimism amongst all supporters of FTQ that the rights that had been enjoyed for centuries by the people of Mistley will become enshrined in law.

Simon Bullimore, Chairman of FTQ said “Whilst inevitably the results of any proceedings are difficult to predict,  we are confident that the arguments advanced at the Inquiry in favour of the Village Green were comprehensive and convincing and I share the optimism of those who attended the Inquiry that it will lead to a successful outcome”.

He added “Once the Village Green is registered we will move to the next stage of our campaign which will lead to the removal of the fence. Whatever happens, the fight will continue until we have eventually restored the enjoyment of Mistley Quay to residents and visitors alike”.

On Friday 26 July, Mr Alesbury made a site inspection of the Village Green Application land. He did this first on foot where he saw a busy operating day in the port and then by boat to enable him to see the “No mooring “signs (about which there had been considerable debate during the Inquiry) from the river.
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It is expected that the Inspector’s report will be delivered by the end of October.

The Inquiry into the Village Green Application is due to go on for another 2 days on 25 and 26 July
After 7 days (3 more than originally scheduled), the Inspector heard all the evidence from the 18 witnesses for the application and 8 against (1 for TWL, 6 for Edme and 1 for Gladedale) but ran out of time to complete the Inquiry.

The Inquiry was adjourned until 9.30 am on 25 July when all the parties will get together again at the Venture Centre in Lawford for closing submissions and a site visit.

Simon Bullimore, Chairman of FTQ who have been leading the campaign for the restoration of the Village Green for the people of Mistley said: “The Inquiry heard from 18 witnesses that they have used the Quay for recreational pastimes such a crabbing, picnicking, walking, dog walking, bird watching and painting over the relevant 20 year period.  The witnesses all presented their evidence very convincingly and withstood the robust and sometimes lengthy cross examination of Counsel for the Objectors”.

We do not believe that the evidence of the three objectors TWL, Edme and Gladedale is good enough to quash our expectations that the Quay will be declared a Village Green.The Inquiry was very well attended by residents of Mistley, who were particularly numerous on Tuesday afternoon, when Michael Parker of TWL was being cross examined.
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COME ALONG AND SUPPORT US AT THE VENTURE CENTRE, LAWFORD AT 9.30 AM ON THURSDAY 25 JULY