Talk to us, Mr Parker... or we'll see you in court

Free the Quay has issued a challenge to Mistley Quay owners TW Logistics – talk to us, or we'll see you in court.

One year on since TWL erected a fence on Mistley Quay to block access to the River Stour –provoking a storm of public protest – opposition has not flagged.

At the third FTQ boat rally on Sunday 4 October, FTQ chairman Simon Bullimore addressed hundreds of supporters partying in the sunshine on Mistley Quay.

Mr Bullimore urged Mr Parker, who runs TWL: 'We would like to break this deadlock. We would like you to come and talk to us about the fence to see if we can find some amicable solution to the dispute between us.

'If you do not come and talk to us we will go to Court. We already have a very strong case. We have been collecting more evidence over the summer and the case is getting stronger every week.'

And he ended with a warning: 'If you do not go along with a reasonable solution for the people of Mistley and others who enjoy this wonderful place then we will go to Court; and we will win. We do not want to do that, it’s expensive, will take time and it’s unnecessary. But we will do it and we will win.'

Over 30 vessels moored at Mistley Quay for the end-of-season rally, despite sailors having to scale the two-metre-high steel fence by ladder.

The Golden Rivets sang rousing shanties round the swan fountain, which served as a 'pop-up bar' for ales from the  The Mistley Thorn provided chowder, burgers and hot dogs, Free the Quayers sold cake and coffee and tea, and local children ran a popcorn and soft drinks stall.

Copies of the latest FTQ calendar Birds of Mistley were also on sale. All proceeds go directly to FTQ's fighting fund.

For more information, visit: www.freethequay.org