Under fire from North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin, the Marine Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies MP, highlighted key provisions in the Marine and Coastal Access Bill which could help get the controversial fence on Mistley Quay removed.  Highlighting a Sunday Times article from local environmental campaigner Charles Clover, who is also Chairman of the Dedham Vale Society, Mr Jenkin raised the issue in the final debate on the Coastal Access Bill before it becomes law.  Mr Jenkin complained that it appeared it would do nothing to resolve the dispute about public access to Mistley Quay,

The minister explained that there would be consultation about what categories of coastal land should be subject to public access, and which exempted. He invited the North Essex MP to take part in a forthcoming consultation.

“The key is to get the categories of excepted land right.  That is why we are currently consulting on the appropriate categories of expected land for coastal access.  I hope the hon. Gentleman will contribute to that discussion and make suggestions.”

Later the Minister added, “On whether the Bill will provide access to Mistley quay, let me say that we are consulting on the treatment of quays specifically, and we currently propose that the right of access should apply to them.  The landowner would therefore benefit from the reduced liability.”

Mr Jenkin also asked the Minister to talk to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which encouraged Trent Wharfage to erect the new fence in the first place.  He told the House of Commons, “It seems that at present the Minister is trying to extend coastal access but the Health and Safety Executive does not give a monkey’s about coastal access issues.  It could therefore be encouraged to behave a little more responsibly in that regard.”

The minister assured him that the HSE will have heard what he said.

Earlier in the debate, Mr Jenkin gave a speech explaining that there had been a public access to the Quay in Mistley probably since the 14th Century, and that the new fence was bitterly opposed by local people.  He gave an account of the recent incident when the Harwich RNLI had to remove the fence to rescue the crew of a capsized dinghy.  

Mr Jenkin said: “The fence had to be cut down, with the help of local residents, so that the rescue could be properly effected. What a great victory for health and safety and the HSE!”