It is the beginning of the end of the Appleby horse fair for another year.
The annual gathering of gypsies, travellers and horse traders officially comes to a close on Wednesday, but police are warning motorists to take care as a large number of horse drawn vehicles are taking to the roads.
Andy Burn reports:
Large numbers of people have been leaving Appleby as the annual horse fair draws to a close.
Cumbria Police say that the fair has been relatively trouble free, despite 40 arrests being made.
20 people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm during one police operation on Friday (7th June), but arrests for the rest of the fair were relatively low.
The multi-agency strategic co-ordination group (MASCG) has been working with various organisations to ensure the fair was as safe and enjoyable as possible for all involved.
The MASCG have worked hard yet again to make sure Appleby Horse Fair was safe and enjoyable for everyone who attended.
“Despite some incidents on Friday, it has been a relevantly trouble free event, with everyone enjoying the sunny weather and getting into the holiday spirit.
“The MASCG understand that some local communities have had some issues this year and we wish to thank them for their patience and tolerance.
"We welcome their feedback and will use it to see what improvements we can make next year in an aim to reduce the impact this event had on our local residents.”
– Superintendent Sean Robinson, Cumbria Police"As many visitors begin to leave the Fair, police are focusing their attention on local roads to ensure people can return home safely.
With more bow tops and horse drawn vehicles using Cumbrian roads on their journey home, officers are urging people to take extra care, reduce their speed and allow more time for their journeys."
The clean up of Appleby gets into swing today as the horse fair draws to a close.
Wednesday (12th June) is officially the last day of the fair which this year attracted 40,000 visitors to the area.
Police are warning motorists to be aware that horse drawn vehicles may be on the roads, and in particular on the A66 in Cumbria.
The RSPCA is to investigate the circumstances surrounding a horse breaking a leg at the Appleby Horse Fair.
RSCPA officers have been on patrol throughout the fair area and have offered advice to people about the over use ofsticks, harness rubs on horses and inexperienced riders.
One horse was located with a broken leg early on Saturday morning and had to be put down.
The RSPCA says it will be investigating the circumstances of this incident.
– RSPCA Chief Inspector Rob MelloyWe will continue to be on patrol today and will be proactively speaking to people about animals in the area. We have noticed a number of puppies for sale at Appleby Fair and would advise any visitors not to buy these puppies. The Community Meeting held last night was successful and praise was given to the group for service that has been provided so far during the fair.
– Robin Hooper, chair of the MASCGThe focus of the group will be around the safety of people who are visiting the fair and the local community. We continue to emphasise the importance of people being aware of their surroundings. If you are visiting the fair be aware of fast moving horses, don’t walk on the roads and stick to the walkways. Advice has been given to the gypsies and travellers to slow down when on horse drawn vehicles in certain areas.”
Holiday atmosphere continues at Appleby Horse Fair http://t.co/UanFmZQKd1 http://t.co/OZrB0vD0vr
From @Cumbriapolice on Twitter:Sned us your photos of the Appleby Horse Fair to: pam&ian@itv.com
Cumbria Police are reminding people that violence at the Appleby horse fair will not be tolerated.
The warning comes after 20 people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.
– Superintendent Sean Robinson, Cumbria Police“We work with our partners and the communities to facilitate a safe and enjoyable Appleby Horse Fair event.
"The vast majority of people come to the horse fair to enjoy the holiday event and I would appeal to people not to bring their disputes to this family oriented event.
“I would reassurance the public and visitors from all communities that today’s incident is a rare occurrence at Appleby Horse Fair.
"However, the action taken by officers sends out a strong message to anyone else who may consider visiting the fair with the intention of causing problems. It will not be tolerated."
Cumbria and Durham police say they have successfully disrupted a threat of serious violence at the Appleby horse fair.
They say that following a successful operation twenty people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm as they travelled into the area.
The police are appealing to people not to bring their disputes to the event, which attracts thousands of people.
The Appleby horse fair has so far been a success with very little disorder according to Cumbria Police.
The police say that everyone seems in good spirits and are all enjoying the occasion and sunny weather.
There has only been one arrest in the past 24 hours, which was for a minor disorder.
Police are now focusing on keeping everyone safe as thousands more travellers and visitors are expected over the weekend.
– Robin Hooper, Chair of the MASCG"It has been a great start to the fair, with everyone in a holiday spirit and people wanting to be here to enjoy themselves.
“This is a community and family orientated event which we encourage people to support and not bring their personal disputes to the fair. We want people to work with us to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.
“People are used to hearing cars and not horse’s, which can move very quickly.
“If you are visiting the fair be aware of fast moving horses, don’t walk on the roads and stick to the walkways.
Gypsies and travellers have begun trading horses at this year's fair.
Thousands of members of the travelling community have arrived from all over Europe to take part in the annual tradition.
