Residents are being invited to a series of drop-in meetings to learn more about arrangements in South Lakeland around this year’s Appleby Horse Fair.
The event's on between the 2nd and the 8th of June this year, attracting around 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers.
Another 30,000 visitors are also expected.
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 to Appleby.
In addition, 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 that motorised caravans are not parking anywhere other than the temporary stopping points (bowtops are allowed to camp on the roadside).
Travellers have already been strongly 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 are available from Tuesday the 24th of May, to Thursday the 2nd of June, and following the fair from Monday the 6th of June to Friday the 10th of June, at the following locations:
- Devil’s Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale
- Middleton Common, near Sedbergh
- Rawthey Bridge, Cautley, near Sedbergh
- Scrogg Bank, Sedbergh
On Thursday the 12th of May, there will be a ‘Pre-Fair’ drop-in event at Barbon Village Hall from 5pm to 7pm.
That will be followed by a three-week series of daily meetings in Kirkby Lonsdale and Sedbergh in the run up to, during and after the horse fair.
The meetings are on the following dates:
There will also be a ‘Post-Fair’ debrief drop-in where residents can give their feedback on this year’s arrangements on the 7th of July at Barbon Village Hall, from 5pm to 7pm.
SLDC Neighbourhood Enforcement Officer John Barwise said: “Through our arrangements leading up to and during 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 meetings that start in May are 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 meetings but would like to raise any issues can contact the streetcare team by emailing: info@southlakeland.gov.uk, or by calling 01539 733333.
More information about Appleby Horse Fair is here.