The Appleby Horse Fair Multi Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) is expanding its membership to include local councillors.
The MASCG is not the organiser of Appleby Horse Fair. The Fair is an annual ‘gathering’ with no formal organiser.
However, the MASCG brings together various agencies with statutory roles including local councils, the police and the RSPCA for meetings throughout the year to discuss issues and co-ordinate activities. The primary aim is ensuring the safety of everyone who attends the Fair, whilst taking into account the needs of residents, Gypsies and Travellers and visitors to the Fair.
Following correspondence from a number of Parishes and residents, the MASCG discussed extending membership of the group to include elected representatives. This was agreed at a meeting of the group on 26 November 2018.
As a result, the membership of the MASCG will be extended to include a member from each of Eden Distract Council, South Lakeland District Council and Cumbria County Council
Deputy Chief Executive of Eden District Council, Matthew Neal, in his role as Chairman of the MASCG, has written to Cumbria County Council and South Lakeland District Council to inform them of the decision.
The Councils will each decide the best way to choose a representative to sit on the MASCG.
Matthew Neal said: “It is the belief of the MASCG that extending representation in this way can only strengthen the ability of the group to make each Fair as safe as possible.
“Adding elected members as part of the group will benefit residents throughout the county as well as the Gypsy and Traveller community and those visiting the Fair each year, particularly by enhancing the group’s understanding of the issues of concern.”
For more information about the role the MASCG in improving the safety of Appleby Horse Fair including the minutes of its meetings visit www.applebyfair.org
