Police ensure a smooth start at Appleby Fair

By Imogen Johnson

General news

03 June 2010 15:48

The gates were open at 4am this morning as visitors from across the country were welcomed to the famous Appleby Fair.

Officials say the fair has so far been running smoothly with the policing operation getting well underway.

ACC Jerry Graham, who is leading the policing operation for the Fair, said:

"In light of the traumatic events that happened in West Cumbria yesterday, I'd like to reassure Appleby residents and visitors that the policing of the Fair will not be affected.

"The gates opened at 4am this morning as planned and Fair Hill is filling up with families who have come to enjoy the event this weekend. Everything is running smoothly so far and there have been no significant issues or incidents to report.

“Visitors to this year’s Fair have been excellent so far and worked with us as we introduced new encampment sites and stopping places for their safety and the benefit of the community. I hope that this continues throughout the duration of the Fair so that everyone can enjoy a safe, family friendly event.”

The new measures in place in South Cumbria in the lead up to the Fair have been hailed a success by the Multi-Agency Strategic Coordination Group (MASCG) after agencies received a marked reduction in the number of complaints in South Cumbria and positive feedback from local residents, gyspies and travellers.

Mounted police officers from Lancashire have also joined the police patrols across the county – which is another first for this year’s Fair. The mounted team joined officers in their regular police patrols around the county and provide a reassuring police presence for the local community – as well as providing a new way for officers to engage with the gypsy and traveller community. 

The mounted officers patrolled in the Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale areas at the beginning of the week before making their way up to Appleby in time for the opening of the Fair.

Dr Gina Barney, Cautley Residents Action Group, said: “The Horse Fair has been a much better experience this year for both local residents and travellers in the South Lakeland area. I am very pleased to see the mounted police taking part for the first time and see this as a good thing for the Fair.”
Photo: Mounted Police Officers from Lancashire Constabulary,  PC Sarah Darwen on Pendle (left) and PC Adrian Phillips on Elswick, mounted police have being at Appleby Horse fair for the vey first time this year.