It is a long-running saga that became known as the 'blockade of the Broads' as a refusal to open a key bridge left boaters marooned and companies missing out on millions of pounds in lost trade.
And despite a brief reprieve, it seems like the farcical situation could return as a temporary truce over Haven Bridge nears an end with no permanent resolution between the warring parties in sight.
Norfolk County Council (NCC), which owns the crossing, and Peel Ports, the company responsible for managing it, remain locked in a battle over its operation.
Neither party has said there has been any progress towards finding a long-term solution.
But time is ticking as the temporary agreement ends in three months.
BRIDGE BARNEY
The roots of the row began in April this year, when Peel Ports refused to open the river crossing, saying it was not safe for their staff to do so.
It followed an incident in February when the bridge was being opened and rowdy members of the public caused a commotion by clambering over barriers and abusing staff, while one drunk person tried to direct traffic after the bridge malfunctioned for several hours.
But NCC insisted the firm has a statutory duty to operate the bridge, as it manages the Great Yarmouth port.
The stand-off left boaters unable to leave the Norfolk Broads via Yarmouth, with some unable to leave the waterways at all because the only alternative - via a lock at Oulton Broad - was not suitable.
Marine companies which rely on being able to use the Yare, meanwhile, lost huge amounts of money.
The temporary truce agreed in July led to a six-month reprieve.
NCC said it would "contribute towards the cost of running the bridge while both parties sought a long-term solution”.
At the time, Kay Mason-Billig, leader of NCC, said: "We want local businesses to be assured that NCC has stepped in to make sure it will lift and that they will be able to use that bridge from now on."
However, three months later, neither party say there has been any progress in finding a resolution.
A spokesman for NCC said: "The discussions are still ongoing, there have been no further developments."
READ MORE: Norfolk Broads boats sail to sea after bridge blockade ends
While Peel Ports said nothing has "materially changed."
A spokeswoman for the company said: "Peel Ports is awaiting a response from the council as to its position on the health and safety concerns raised."
NO PROGRESS
The row is causing continued agitation among members of the Broads Authority, who fear problems for boaters could return.
At a recent meeting, Alan Goodchild warned the situation was "not very good still" despite recent talks between NCC, Peel Ports and other parties affected by the standoff.
His own company, Goodchild Marine, has been badly affected by the dispute.
John Packman, chief executive, said the BA had written to Peel Ports to remind the firm of its duty to operate the bridge but it is yet to receive a response to their concerns.
He said: "This dispute is desperately unhelpful for commercial companies and private boaters."
COULD BLOCKADE RETURN?
Boaters in the Broads are worried about what will happen if a resolution is not found.
The century-old river crossing was previously out of action for five years after it suffered a catastrophic failure in 2019.
Goodchild Marine, a boat firm located on the banks of the River Waveney, has said the situation has caused them to lose about £2m in business.
With the bridge shut, the only other way to leave the Broads to get to sea was via Mutford Lock, at Oulton Broad - but this is unsuitable for many craft.
James Fraser, managing director of Norfolk Yacht Agency, based in Brundall and Horning, is another firm affected by the dispute.
He said: "I would be very concerned if it's stopped again. We very much enjoyed a summer of bridge openings.
"These problems have gone on for years and have had a detrimental effect of people leaving the Broads or giving up their boats."
Mr Fraser believes the Broads network has suffered from a lack of investment in key infrastructure such as bridges, which is putting people from neighbouring countries and harbours off visiting the Broads.
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