​Suggestions have been made by TWL, the owners of Mistley port, that there is a lack of concern on the part of FTQ about the risks to swans from people fishing over the fence on Mistley Quay
 
Of course FTQ is concerned about the swans. They are a much loved feature of Mistley and several FTQ supporters have fed and cared for them over the years despite difficulties created by TWL by the erection of the fence on the Quay. When the Quay is free the swans can be fed, injured swans recovered from the river and cared for, and occasional fishermen can fish peacefully and responsibly.
 
The edge of the quay is part of the Village Green for the enjoyment of lawful sports and pastimes by local residents who are currently prevented from using it by the erection of the fence. There is nothing that TWL can do to restrict this.
 
The old signs about risks to swans of fishing were advisory by nature. There is nothing to stop fishing anywhere on the riverbanks or from boats and neither we nor TWL can or should monitor or control fishing in the Stour.
 
The erection of the fence has taken away the gentle pleasures of swan feeding from a generation of local residents, which has attributed to the migration of the Mistley herd to better homes on the river. The correct approach to protect the swans is to explain the risks to the fishermen and ask them to take care not to lose gear by the quay. Restoration of the joy of swan feeding will bring them back to Mistley.
 
This is an issue confected by TWL; if they had a fraction of the concern they have for swans for the peace and enjoyment of their human neighbours in Mistley they would have avoided the problems of the last ten years.
 
26 July 2019

The Jazz Picnic is back again in 2019 but with a slight difference - this year it will take place in the evening from 6.00 pm to 9.30 pm and as in the previous years, bring friends and family,  a picnic and enjoy music, food and drink and watch the sun go down over the Stour.

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​Over 200 residents of Mistley and their friends met on Mistley Quay on Sunday to celebrate the Court of Appeal decision to endorse their Village Green on the Quay.
 
Music was provided by the Golden Rivets, who sang their usual selection of our favourite shanties, several yachts sailed past on the top of the tide lending a nautical atmosphere to the party and Olly Wood played some fine background music. The BBQ was kept busy and the weather stayed fine despite forecasts of rain. 
 
During the celebration those present joined in weaving the word ‘VICTORY’ in large letters in coloured fabric around the wire mesh of the fence. 
 
Simon Bullimore, chairman of Free the Quay said: ”It is wonderful that after 10 long years of fighting for the Village Green we now appear to be in sight of the end. I call upon TW Logistics to talk to the local community to end this nonsense. We remain willing to discuss with TW Logistics a suitable alternative form of barrier on the Quay edge.”
 
William Meston, Treasurer of Free the Quay, who lives on Mistley High Street said: “Generous donations made by Mistley residents at the event will all help Free the Quay to complete the task of restoring Mistley Quay to the people of Mistley.”

The next fundraising event will be the FTQ Quiz on Friday 23 November, more details to follow.

The Court of Appeal has rejected the attempt by TW Logistics to overturn the decision of the High Court to uphold the registration of Mistley Quay as a Village Green by Essex County Council. 
 
The battle to preserve the long standing rights of local residents to use the Quay in the manner in which they have done for centuries has now lasted for more than 10 years since TW Logistics erected a fence along the edge of the Quay. The rights of local residents have been confirmed by an Inspector, who carried out an 8-day Public Inquiry by Essex County Council, who registered the Quay as a Village Green, by the High Court and now, following the Appeal, by the Court of Appeal. 
 
Simon Bullimore the Chairman of Free the Quay which represents the interests of local residents said: “This is a significant victory for the people of Mistley, who have been determined not to allow the aggressive actions of TW Logistics in the erection of the fence and the conduct of the long drawn out proceedings to deter them from fighting for the recognition of their rights to use the Quay.”
 
Ian Tucker, who as a Mistley resident made the Application for the registration of the Village Green, said: “No one would have thought that a simple Application to register a Village Green followed by a Public Inquiry would end up in the Court of Appeal. We have been very fortunate to have had the encouraging support of Nigel Farthing and Richard Eaton of Birketts LLP throughout the proceedings which has been invaluable in achieving this successful result.”
 
Nancy Bell, who lives Mistley Quay said: “This is such good news. I hope that TW Logistics will now recognise that their attempts to frustrate the long-standing rights of access to Mistley Quay should come to an end. The time has come for them to accept the Village Green.”
 
The decision of the Court of Appeal will not result in the immediate removal of the fence along the edge of the Quay. David McKay, proprietor, with Sherri Singleton, of the Thorn Hotel said: “It would be a welcome gesture on the part of TW Logistics if they were to accept the decision and take the fence down. We have repeatedly invited them to discuss with us some other form of safety barrier and we remain willing to do so. If they persevere in maintaining the existing fence as an obstruction on the Village Green we will take all appropriate steps to remove it.”
 
A celebration of the Victory will be held on the Quay on Sunday 14October with refreshments and music to which all the many supporters of the Free the Quay over the last 10 years will be most welcome. 
 
Enquiries:
Simon Bullimore
07711 749585

Nancy Bell
01206 391214
07858 039688

For an explanation of the legal issues involved in the Court of Appeal Hearing click here