A PUBLIC footpath on Mistley’s controversial quay has been welcomed by a campaign group.

In September 2008 Mistley Quay hit the headlines when a two metre high metal fence was put up at its egde by the site owner, Trent Wharfage.

Free the Quay formed in a bid to get the fence taken down but two years later the fight is still ongoing.

Members argued that the quay has public access as boats would often moor up at its edge and visit the village.

But Trent Wharfage said the site is privately owned and has no historic public access rights.

Now Essex County Council has put forward the footpath order for the site, which would run in a rectangle shape on the quay.

A spokesperson for Essex County Council, said: “Essex County Council was directed to make the footpath order at Mistley Quay by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

“The objection period for this order finished on 19th November and the council cannot comment further until this date has passed.”

Simon Bullimore, of Free the Quay, said the group were behind the idea.

“We are in favour of all rights to the public on the quayside.

“Anything that gives the public access to the area has to be supported.”

But he was doubtful if the footpath would help in their fight to get the fence removed or replaces with a smaller one.

“The only way the fence would come down is if it blocked the footpath and it doesn’t.”

But Carol Guglielmi, Tendring Councillor for Mistley, said it could help the fight in the long run.

“The footpath is a right of way so rally it won’t help to get the fence taken down, but it will help in the long run if it goes to a legal challenge.

“If there is a public footway then it proves that it is used by the public.

“Anything that can help substantiate there is a right of way is going to be a good thing.”