A group of local residents gathered outside of the Bell Hotel on Friday following the court ruling.

Richard Brace, 60, a carer for a relative who has lived in the Essex town all his life took to the streets in protest of the ruling on Friday. “We’ll keep protesting,” he told the Express. 

“Whether it’s going to change anyone’s mind is another matter. But we will be here every Thursday and Sunday, and whatever days in between.”

There will “definitely” be civil disorder, the local said. “I’ve got a feeling this is the way we’re heading.”

Carmen, who wore a pink top that said “Pink Ladies Say, The Only Way is Epping, Send Them Home” on it, also attended the demonstration. She said “today’s ruling is just devastating, absolutely devastating. It will probably cause civil unrest”. 

“It’s shocking, it’s like they’ve won. The schools go back next week – the kids will be walking around the back, it’s not good,” she added.