[R]esidents are being invited to a drop-in event to learn more about special arrangements in South Lakeland for this year’s Appleby Horse Fair.
The fair runs from 8 – 14 June, attracting around 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers as well as up to 30,000 visitors, transforming the town of Appleby.
On Wednesday 17 May there will be a Pre-Fair Drop-In meeting at Barbon Village Hall from 4pm to 6pm, where residents can ask questions and raise any issues.
South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) works with partner organisations, including the county council, police and neighbouring local authorities, to manage the migration of Gypsies and Travellers through the district on their way to and from the fair.
SLDC staff organise temporary stopping point sites in South Lakeland for both traditional bowtop caravans and motorised towed caravans at four locations on routes through the district.
In addition, SLDC enforcement officers and police officers will be undertaking daily ‘verge patrols’ to check for any problems on the routes used by Gypsies and Travellers to ensure motorised caravans are not parked anywhere other than the temporary stopping points (bowtops are allowed to camp on the roadside).
Travellers are always advised to plan their journeys carefully and not to arrive too early with towed caravans, to reduce the impact the event has on communities on the routes to Appleby.
The temporary stopping points in South Lakeland will be available from Tuesday 30 May to Thursday 8 June. After the fair they will be provided from Monday 12 June to Friday 16 June at the following locations:
- Devil’s Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale
- Middleton Common, near Sedbergh
- Rawthey Bridge, Cautley, near Sedbergh
- Scrogg Bank, Sedbergh
SLDC’s Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer, John Barwise, said: “Through our arrangements leading up to, during and after the fair we want to ensure the movement of Gypsies and Travellers through the district is safe and enjoyable for everyone and to reduce the impact on the environment.
“The drop-in meeting on 17 May in Barbon is an opportunity for residents in South Lakeland communities to speak to SLDC, Cumbria County Council and police officers regarding any concerns, issues or ideas relating to the horse fair arrangements.’’
Anyone who can’t make the drop-in meeting but would like to raise any issues can contact SLDC’s streetcare team by emailing: info@southlakeland.gov.uk, or by calling 01539 733333.
For non-emergency policing issues, residents should call 101 and for highways ring the Highways Hotline on 0300 303 2992.
For more information about Appleby Horse Fair visit: www.applebyfair.org
