[W]ith around seven weeks until Appleby Horse Fair starts on Thursday 8 June 2017, fairgoers who bring trailers (towed caravans) are being encouraged to plan their journeys carefully to Appleby in Cumbria, so that they don’t arrive too soon.
Gypsy and Traveller Billy Welch, a member of the Multi Agency Co-ordinating Group (MASCG), who work to make the Fair safer each year, said: “Gypsies and Travellers have responded really well to our appeals over the past few years not to arrive too early for Appleby Fair with their trailers. People planning their journeys to Appleby using the temporary stopping places provided make a real difference to the impact the Fair has on local communities.
“So if you are bringing your trailer to Appleby please respect the Fair, plan your journey carefully using the information about stopping places available at www.applebyfair.org, so you don’t arrive too early before the Fair starts on 8 June. By doing this you not only help improve road safety, but allow more space on road side verges for grazing and bowtops.”
Temporary Chief Superintendent, Mark Pannone from Cumbria Police, said: “Our priority is always the safety of everyone involved in the Fair, including Gypsies and Travellers, visitors to the Fair and the local population. With this in mind, we ask that those Gypsies and Travellers coming to this year’s event to heed the advice and to not arrive too early in order to avoid causing problems on the road network.
“It is the hope of everyone involved in the Fair that this year’s event passes off safely and is thought of positively by the Gypsy and Traveller community, visitors to Appleby and the local population.”
To keep up to date on the plans and news for Appleby Horse Fair 2017, visit www.applebyfair.org or check out Facebook MASCG for Appleby Fair or follow @ApplebyFair on Twitter.
Eden District Council’s Chief Executive and MASCG Chair, Dr Robin Hooper, said: “The public agencies, local communities and Gypsy and Traveller representatives work continually to improve the safety of this unique gathering and to make it as enjoyable as possible for all concerned.
“Local publicans are again working proactively with the District Council and Cumbria Police through the Voluntary Licensing Charter to help ensure their premises are operating safely throughout the Fair for everyone’s enjoyment.
“The General Election is taking place on the 8 June 2017, the first day of Appleby Horse Fair. Preparations are being made locally to ensure the Polling Stations in the Appleby area are open as normal from 7am-10pm, so people who are registered to vote locally are able to do so.”
Any member of the public who is not yet registered to vote needs to do so before the electoral registration deadline of Monday 22 May 2017, so you can cast your vote in the General Election or apply for a postal or proxy vote (if you have a permanent residence). The deadlines for registration are very tight so please make sure you allow time for your application to be processed by your local council, especially if you need a postal vote, proxy vote or require a Declaration of Local Connection Application (registering to vote with no permanent address).
If you are visiting Appleby Horse Fair on 8 June 2017 and are registered to vote and have a permanent address where post can be delivered, you may wish to register with your local Council for a postal vote, so you can cast your vote before visiting Appleby Fair. The deadline to apply for a new postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 23 May 2017 visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact your local council for more information.
If you don’t have a permanent residence and wish to vote in the General Election on 8 June 2017, you will need to complete to a ‘Declaration of Local Connection Application’ in order to register to vote. These forms show where you can be considered to be living then you can register either at the local council area where you spend most of your time or at the place where you most have a local connection.
To complete this application requires two forms of proof of identity such as a national insurance number, birth certificate or driving licence. Please allow plenty of time for this process to be undertaken as the deadline for electoral registration is Monday 22 May 2017.
Gypsy and Traveller Billy Welch, said: “If any Gypsies and Travellers are currently not registered to vote, I would encourage them to do so for the forthcoming General Election on 8 June 2017. You can find out more information about how to register to vote at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact your local council. Please be aware that you need to register to vote in plenty of time, so don’t leave it until the last minute. If you are already registered vote you don’t needed to apply again to vote in the General Election. ”
For more information about things to do and places to stay in Eden District: www.visiteden.co.uk