A HEARTBROKEN daughter whose father died at Mistley Quay has spoken of her shock a security fence could be removed after a High Court decision.

The fence was put up at the quay by Trent Wharfage nine years ago, sparking anger from many residents who set up by Free the Quay campaign.

The group celebrated victory in the High Court earlier this month and the controversial fence could now be taken down.

The High Court said the quay – which is designated as a village green – should be accessible to all. The quay’s owner may still appeal against the decision.

The campaign group is set to hold a victory rally at the Quay on Sunday but Jackie Lester, 70, of Tall Trees, Mile End, Colchester, said the court decision is not a cause for celebration.

Her father Jack Branch, who lived in Harwich Road, Mistley, and worked at Mistley Maltings, died aged 72 at the quay in February 1991.

She said: “My father drowned there because there was no fence. The Health and Safety Executive not only recommended but demanded a fence be put up and that’s what TWL did.

“Before he died he was in a bad state of depression. We had been monitoring his medication but he had spat it out.

“An inquest recorded an open verdict. There was knee-deep snow and it is not known whether he slipped or jumped into the water.

“If there was a fence there at the time he would have had to climb it and that would have been a deterrent - he might have changed his mind.

“If he did slip, then the fence would have prevented him falling into the river.”

Mrs Lester said she received a hostile reception from some who want the fence to be removed.

“I lived in California Road, Mistley, when I was growing up. I was brought up there and I know all the people who attended the public hearing.

“It was quite hostile. People have told me I have no right to an opinion but I’m an Essex County Council taxpayer and so are my family.

“I have campaigned for the fence at the quay. I find it ridiculous that people don’t want a fence here. It’s an industrial area.”

Free the Quay campaigners have welcomed the outcome of the court case. Simon Bullimore, chairman of the group, said he hopes the site’s owner will enter into dialogue with campaigners about “a more suitable barrier”.