Police have issued an appeal for calm during this week’s Appleby Horse Fair.
Rumours appear to be circulating in Appleby and on social media that townsfolk want to ‘barricade’ the main roads to stop Gypsies and Travellers arriving for the annual event.
Some townsfolk claim it ruins their livelihoods and want to stop the thousands of people who are due to attend the event.
An anonymous post on Facebook asked if anyone had ‘a spare couple of hours to block the town on Saturday morning….It needs to be a proper protest…We need to stand in force against the lot of them.”
The rumours have not been confirmed by Cumbria Crack but Cumbria police and the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group have appealed for calm.
Steph Cordon, group chair and Westmorland and Furness council’s director of thriving communities, said: “We are aware that for many people who live locally, this time of year can be very challenging.
“We would encourage anyone with concerns regarding issues or incidents relating to the fair to report them immediately so that they can be acted upon.
“The policing of Appleby Horse Fair is Cumbria Constabulary’s largest policing operation, with officers working in Appleby and the surrounding communities in the weeks leading up to the Fair, as well as during and after to keep people safe.
“The Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group brings together agencies who work all year round towards making the Appleby Horse Fair safe and enjoyable for all those who attend.”
People can also report non-emergency police issues online or via 101 or call 999 in an emergency.
