Boatowners, fishermen and walkers who've used an ancient path and launch-point by the banks of the River Wye for generations have been ordered to move out.

Orders from Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water which runs a sewage transfer site at Tallards Marsh, Sedbury, were posted up late last month.

The notice states that entry on the land without consent is "unlawful and will constitute a trespass."

It further states that: "Any boats found on this property must be removed immediately. We hereby give notice that failure to do so by 18 May 2010 will result in the boats being removed and impounded and may also result in them being sold."

John Phillips from the nearby Wyebank Estate said: "This is outrageous, high handed and a complete public relations disaster for Welsh Water. I've been using that footpath and going out with fishermen since I was a boy. It was from a boat launched from Tallards Marsh that I saw my first salmon ever caught in a lave net. Parishioners have used Tallards Marsh for generations whether for boating, fishing, birdwatching, picknicking or just sitting and enjoying the river."

Welsh Water's action, which may include fencing off the area, has also earned the ire of local historians.

Keith Underwood of Tidenham Historical Society writes: "It is our opinion, expressed in the strongest possible terms that Welsh Water, or any other authority, have absolutely no right to prevent the people of Tidenham from exercising their ancient rights of access to the river front at Tallards Marsh at any point.

"From time immemorial the fisherman's path has followed the river bank and local people have not only used it regularly but had access in past centuries to a ferry serving the markets at the Meads in Chepstow."