A HAND painted sign criticising a controversial fence was been sited on a sand bank just days before top talks over its future.

Resident Ian Tucker spotted the sign, which asks "why is this cheesegrater still up", near Mistley Quay last week.

It is the second of its kind to be installed on the bank - the first was in 2008, just weeks after the fence was installed by quay owners TWL Logistics, saying "no fence".

Councillors are set to discuss making the quayside a village green at the Chelmsford offices today.

It comes after an inspector approved the bid in November after a public inquiry.

If Essex County Council holds up the decision campaigners hope the 2m fence will be taken down - marking the end of a five year battle.