Thousands of travellers with horses & caravans descend on tiny village for Appleby Horse Fair as locals brace for chaos
CROWDS of travellers have flooded a tiny village as the Appleby Horse fair gets underway, with locals bracing for incoming chaos.
The annual gathering brings in around 10,000 travellers and a whopping 30,000 other visitors to the rural area.
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Narrow country lanes leading to Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria have been bursting with horses and caravans in recent days.
Cops have warned people to not drink-drive and to keep the peace ahead of the six-day event - which begins on Thursday.
Almost 30 arrests have already been made by officers who have been working in the Eden and South Lakes area as part of the pre-fair phase of this year's policing operation.
Police are also reminding motorists to drive with caution and to expect to encounter slow-moving traffic in the lead up to year's fair.
Pictures show horse-drawn carriages and motor-homes already flocking to the village.
Travellers are racing for the best spots ahead of the fair's first day.
Appleby hasn't even started yet and that comes every year.
Some locals are closing down services and pubs in protest.
Fed-up residents living in the nearby village of Gargrave even drew up battle plan in preparation.
For centuries, crowds have passed through the village on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales to attend the historic, week long gathering 70 miles away.
However in recent years residents have complained of a spike in crime and anti-social behaviour with human excrement found in bushes, trees hacked down and scorch marks found on the village greens.
Last year, more than 60 pick-up trucks and horse-drawn 'bow top' caravans descended on the village, many with loud generators running throughout the night.
Massive clean up begins after Appleby Horse Fair as piles of rubbish are left behind by thousands of travellers
Residents also complained about horse races being held in the village centre.
Now, Gargrave Parish Council has drawn up measures and set new rules to keep the village "conflict free".
Gargrave is a usual stop-off point for Travellers as it is the last village before the 70 mile trip through the Yorkshire Dales along the A65 before arriving at Appleby.
The event first began in 1685 after a charter was granted by King James II.
Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin of Cumbria Police – Police Gold Commander for Appleby Horse Fair – said: 'Public safety is our number one priority and we will continue to take enforcement action against those committing criminal offences.
'I would like to reassure all communities that there is no targeting of any specific community, but our increased policing presence will take action against individuals engaging in criminality regardless of their background.
'To date, we have seen a number of people putting lives at risk by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
"Those who do so are being incredibly reckless and our officers will continue to stop people they suspect may be driving whilst impaired through alcohol or drugs.
"We all know too well the tragic consequences that can occur when a driver makes the decision to drive whilst unfit because of their alcohol or drug consumption.'
Det Supt St Quintin added: 'Drivers are likely to encounter slow-moving traffic, particularly on the A66, so please pay extra attention when travelling around the county.
'Please take extra care, be patient and plan ahead and set off early. Let's make sure everyone reaches their destination safely.'
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