Plea to Fairgoers to help reduce number of early arrivals for Appleby Fair
With around six weeks until Appleby Horse Fair starts on Thursday 4 June 2015, fairgoers who bring trailers (towed caravans) are being encouraged to plan their journeys carefully to Appleby, so that they don’t arrive before the event starts on 4 June.
Gypsy and Traveller Billy Welch, a member of the Multi Agency Co-ordinating Group (MASCG), who work to make the Fair safer each year, said: “We are appealing to Gypsies and Travellers who bring trailers to Appleby Fair not to arrive before the Fair starts on 4 June. By not arriving too early with trailers you are respecting the Fair and helping to reduce the impact the event has on outlying local communities.
“Last year, there were some road safety issues along the A685 into Kirkby Stephen with people arriving too early with trailers. This year, new restrictions will be in place to improve road safety at junctions and to create more spaces for bowtops and for horse grazing. So if you are bringing your trailer to Appleby Fair take a look at www.applebyfair.org to see when and where stopping places are open en route to the Fair. Please plan your journey carefully and I will see you in Appleby when the Fair starts on 4 June.”
To keep up to date on the plans and news for Appleby Horse Fair 2015, including information about restrictions to temporary stopping places visit www.applebyfair.org or check out Facebook MASCG for Appleby Fair or follow @ApplebyFair on Twitter.
Eden District Council’s Chief Executive and MASCG Chair, Dr Robin Hooper, said: “The main message we have for those coming to Appleby Fair 2015 with trailers is don’t arrive before Appleby Fair starts on 4 June. New restrictions will be in place this year to improve road safety and create more spaces for bowtops and horse grazing. People arriving too early with trailers are not respecting the Fair and are disrupting the outlying communities around Appleby. So please plan your journey well and use the stopping places provided.”
Chief Superintendent Sean Robinson from Cumbria Police, said: “Road safety is the top MASCG priority for the Appleby Horse Fair, and we are committed to keeping the roads as safe as possible during this busy time of the year. There will be additional restrictions that reduce available parking along the A685, these will improve safety for everyone, particularly around junctions. I would appeal to anyone travelling to the Horse Fair to work with us in keeping people safe, and to plan their journey so as not to arrive before 4 June.”
For more information about thing to do and places to stay in Appleby contact Appleby Tourist Information Centre telephone: 017683 51177 or visit www.visiteden.co.uk