A PLAQUE dedicated to Her Majesty the Queen has been unveiled at Hythe Quay marking the end of its repairs.

Strong crowds flocked to the quay in the glorious sunshine on Her Majesty’s 90th birthday to see the unveiling of the plaque by Cllr Peter Elliott, Chairman of Maldon District Council.

The celebration marked the end of the extensive but hugely successful repairs to the quay, involving 147 piles being installed underneath to tackle ground water, a two meter outward extension and bollards being installed.

Nigel Harmer, River Bailiff for the River Chelmer, said: “The work began on October 2 and finished two days before Christmas, which is a fantastic turnaround.

“Although everything looks really impressive, the bulk of the work and money spent are underneath the quay.

“The contractors, Teignmouth Maritime Services, have been absolutely brilliant and I cannot fault them in the slightest.”

Cllr Penny Channer, Chairman of Planning and Licensing at the District Council, said: “This project has been a process of everyone in the planning, designing and implementing sections working together, as well as the Maldon residents.

“It has been the best and smoothest work of construction I have ever seen.”

Hythe Quay is one of Maldon’s most famous landmarks and carries considerably history, with the view of Maldon from down river looking west towards St Mary’s Church and the Quay is one of Essex’s best known.

Councillor Peter Elliott said: “It was a wonderful way to commemorate the repairs in this way.

“How lucky are we as a district to have such a fabulous quay like this? Plus the sun came out and everything, it couldn’t be more perfect.”