One of Sydney's longest-running protests - along the Hawkesbury River - started off with nothing more than an umbrella, an outdoor heater and some plastic chairs, but after five years, protesters have packed up.

The Community Action for Windsor Bridge group began protesting in Thompson Square, Windsor, in 2013 against the demolition and replacement of the historic bridge over the Hawkesbury River as well as a project to build a major road through the square.

Harry Terry with his grandson, also Harry, at a protest concert at Thompson Square in 2014. Credit:Geoff Jones

The group's tent, or "high commission" as it was known to members, was taken down last Wednesday as the protest ended.

Over the years, it grew in popularity and was upgraded to a gazebo with padded chairs, while the group collected 40,000 signatures in support of their cause.