The small coastal town of Brightlingsea made headlines nationwide when its port was chosen to export live animals across the sea to Europe and beyond.
The BBC's regional magazine show, Inside Out, investigates how this location became a milestone for the ever growing animal rights movement and how many local residents were moved to join the protest.
The export of live animals from Brightlingsea
Initially welcomed by the small town as an opportunity for increased trade and urban development, the export of live animals from the port was seen by many to be a form of cruelty towards the animals and drew protestors from around the UK, who launched a campaign to stop the operation.
Many local residents who joined the protest had not been involved in any form of political action before. One Brightlingsea woman remembers how she joined the protest after seeing the heads of cattle through the sides of the lorries as they passed through the narrow streets that lead to the port.
BBC Reporter, Colleen Harris travels to Brightlingsea to meet those affected by the protests and also to find out whether after the trade ceased here, did it move elsewhere?
Other Items featured on Inside Out
David Whitely investigates the current increased in postal gold companies and why selling your unwanted gold in this way can often leave you out of pocket.
David reveals that some postal companies are only offering a small fraction of the full value and how many customers have become frustrated following problems having their gold returned.
Inside Out shows you what happens to your gold once it's been sold and why so many new businesses are eager to get hold of unwanted jewellery.
Inside Out, Monday 22nd February, 7:30pm, BBC One
