HUNDREDS of protesters turned out to call for “ghastly” fences to be removed from their village green.

A 1.8-metre high fence was put up by port owner TW Logistics along Mistley Quay in 2008 after the Health and Safety Executive raised concerns people could fall into the water.

It sparked years of legal battles with residents claiming it obstructed their views of the River Stour.

The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by TW Logistics two years ago, upholding the village green registration for the quay.

Despite the complaints of villagers, the fence still remains. They are now calling on Essex County Council to take action.

Simon Bullimore, chairman of Free the Quay, said: “I was really pleased by the number of people who turned out.

“There are not that many small local campaigns which are required to be kept running for 15 years and require four court cases that can maintain enthusiasm at such a high level.

“It is a great pity that the enthusiasm of our local authorities fails to match the enthusiasm of the residents of Mistley - and respond in a dignified manner.”

Before the protest, Essex County Council stated it has no responsibility for the quay’s health and safety.

A spokesman said: “Essex County Council is the registration authority and is required by law to act impartially when considering applications.

“An independent inspector recommended that the land was registered. We registered the land and defended our decision in court.

“The county council has no enforcement powers or responsibility for healthy and safety at the quay.”

TWL had not responded at the time of going to press, but last year, it said: “Rather than being an unlawful obstruction, the quay edge safety fence was erected following the threat of enforcement action by the HSE.

“This standard of protection is still necessary given the up to four metres vertical drop off the quay edge into water or the river bed.

“Fortunately for local inhabitants’ continuing enjoyment of the village green and their and others’ safety, we’re not in a position to make concessions or compromises with regards to port users’ safety.

“Neither does any legislation require us to do so.”