STOP the WHARF

Late-night operations, stretching as late as 11:00 PM and resuming as early as 04:30 AM, are causing significant disruption to local residents on multiple levels. The disturbance is exacerbated by the inefficient use of heavy machinery, including cranes, tractors, loading shovels, and sweepers, along with the intrusive glare of floodlighting.

The Facts

For clarity, STOP the WHARF is not a group of 'NIMBYs' (Not In My Back Yard). While we will continue to petition the authorities and government to address the flawed and potentially corrupt planning permissions granted to this facility, we recognise that in the eyes of the law, the site currently facilitates a legitimate business. However, MCL’s approach to conducting its operations has only strengthened the group’s resolve to challenge their actions and demand accountability from all involved. MCL is not above the law.

Kingsferry Wharf was designed in the 1960s, with the original planning application specifying that material transport would primarily rely on river barges, not HGVs. Despite this commitment, the use of river barges has been largely disregarded—both historically and to this day. Moreover, the HGVs of the 1960s were significantly smaller than the 44-ton vehicles now in use. These modern HGVs not only create frequent road blockages but also pose serious safety risks to pedestrians and other road users.

There is no doubt that if MCL conducted these operations at a proper wharf facility—such as the many suitable alternatives available nearby—none of these issues would have arisen, and all parties involved would be far better off.

STOP the WHARF can substantiate the following points with a comprehensive library of videos, photographs, and written documentation. In many instances, the issues are so apparent that simple in person observation alone is sufficient to draw attention to them. Since beginning operations at Kingsferry Wharf in 2023, MCL has regularly engaged in the following disruptive and concerning practices:

• Operated loud, heavy machinery in a residential area without regard for the time of day.
• Polluted the residential area with heavy plumes of rust, cement and other toxic materials on many occasions.
• Allowed MCL employees to verbally and/or physically threaten local residents on multiple occasions.
• Allowing employees and agents drive fast and aggressively in a quiet village road. 
• Operate using outdated, poorly maintained, inefficient equipment and practices. Skill levels questionable at best. 
• Frequently conducted activities during very early mornings and very late nights.
  
• Been recorded tipping waste directly into the River Trent.
• Kept the facility illuminated 24/7 with extremely bright floodlights, causing severe light pollution.
• Deliberately created road blockages.
• Received warning letters from the Port Health Authority.

• Introduced a high volume of HGVs into a village entirely unsuited to handle such large vehicles, despite portraying themselves as primarily reliant on water barges

• Experienced HGV mechanical failures on steep hills, leading to prolonged road blockages blocking whole village access.
  
• Encouraged HGV contractors to sound horns and engage in menacing behavior toward villagers.
• Caused repeated damage to ornamental verges with HGVs.
  
• Attracted frequent visits from the police due to various issues.
• Operated during holiday periods, maximising disruption for residents.
• Attempted to prevent public access to a permitted footpath that does not belong to them.
• Neglected to maintain trees on their property, resulting in collapses onto a resident’s van and home, yet denied responsibility.

Reporting

Reporting any incidents or issues arising from operations at Kingsferry Wharf is crucial in holding those responsible to account. We will not allow them to operate with impunity, no matter what they may believe. Why should we? Everyone must comply with the law, and they are no exception.

Our reporting is thorough, fair, and relentless. Rest assured, the authorities will log and take appropriate action based on the information provided. Your voice matters—let it be heard! Together, we can ensure accountability and protect our community. If you need help in reporting an issue that is bothering you, contact us through our facebook page (details below) where a representative from STOP the WHARF will be pleased to help you. 

Need to report a dangerous occurrence, nuisance, or breach of regulations? Here are some helpful contacts:

Contact Stop the Wharf Online

Connect with a Message through our Facebook Page:

If you are a local resident then you can join our Private Chat Group (click here). 

Gallery

A few snapshots of the Issues Mentioned