Latest news with #ApplebyHorseFair
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
LISTED: The temporary stop offs in County Durham for travellers heading to Appleby
Eight temporary stop-off areas in County Durham have been identified for travellers en-route to Appleby Horse Fair. As in previous years, Durham County Council has set up Temporary Stop Over Areas (TSOAs) along roads traditionally used by travellers heading to and from the fair. The fair will be held on its traditional date and will run from Thursday 5 to Wednesday, June 11. Eight TSOAs have been prepared in Teesdale and South West Durham, which are open now until Friday, June 28. The TSOAs in South West Durham are located at: Westerton Layby, DL14 8AL Gurney Valley, DL14 8RP The sites located in Teesdale are: Broomielaw Picnic Area, DL12 8TT Guide Post Corner, Bowes, DL12 9HU Land at Stainton Bank, DL12 8RQ Shaw Bank Field, DL12 8TD Wackerfield Layby, DL2 3AP Winston Corner, DL2 3RW Temporary signs will be in place showing the locations of the TSOAs as well as signed guidance for those who encamp. Officers from the council and representatives from other organisations will be making regular visits to the TSOAs and, should any appear, unauthorised encampments, to ensure appropriate support is offered to those using them. Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council's safer places manager, said: 'We have been working closely with partners, businesses, residents and members of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller community to provide sites ahead of Appleby Fair. Read More: How much Darlington car parking charges will increase by ahead of 2025 rise 'Hammer blow' for DL1 as latest closure to leave more than half of units empty Man charged with attempted murder after late-night house blaze 'The TSOAs are being set up for the benefit of both those using them and residents living along the routes. We would strongly encourage those travelling to utilise the designated areas, instead of camping in unauthorised locations.' Sites are being provided as part of a coordinated response with the South West Durham and Dales Business, Residents and Travellers group. This group includes representatives from the council, town and parish councils, Durham Constabulary, businesses and Gypsy, Roma, Traveller representatives. Those travelling to Appleby can find more information about TSOAs here.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Dry weather concern for Appleby Horse Fair, warns RSPCA
A prolonged period of dry weather has prompted a "don't arrive too soon" message for this year's Appleby Horse Fair from the of Gypsies and travellers are expected to attend the annual event, which officially begins on 5 RSPCA said lack of rain had resulted in poor grazing on all routes into the town, and some smaller water springs and becks used for watering horses had dried up or been reduced to a some people arriving early, there is concern this is putting pressure on limited resources. Rob Melloy, RSPCA chief inspector, said: "There's a very real prospect that people may struggle to find adequate grazing and water supplies for their animals as the fair draws closer, with all the attendant animal welfare issues that that entails."Our clear message is please don't come early."We recognise that those travelling by horse and in horse-drawn bow tops do have to adopt a staged approach when coming to the fair, and in order to ensure that they have access to grazing and water, we ask that those with access to motorised vehicles show some consideration and delay their arrival until the starting date." He added: "It is the owner's responsibility to ensure their horses have adequate food and water."Because the grazing is so poor this year, people may need to consider bringing additional supplies with them." Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Moment police arrest and handcuff two '10-year-old boys' as furious mother accuses force of 'pure abuse of power' in lead-up to Appleby Horse Fair
A distressed mother has accused police of 'pure abuse of power' after they arrested and handcuffed her son and another youngster right in front of her. The boys, both understood to be 10 years old, were approached by Cumbria Police officers in Kirkby Lonsdale yesterday morning after reports that a member of the public had been threatened with a penknife. However, following an extensive search no knife or other weapon was found and the boys were released. Cumbria Police later said in a statement they had been handcuffed 'for their and officers safety while the searches were completed.' But footage of the incident shows one of the boys clearly becoming agitated after being handcuffed - with his mother also becoming tearful at the sight of her detained son. Posting the video on social media, where it has so far been viewed tens of thousands of times, the distraught mother - who is believed to be from the Traveller community - alleged the police action had amounted to 'bullying'. The incident occurred in the run-up to the annual Appleby Horse Fair, which takes place next month and represents the largest traditional Gypsy and Traveller fair in Europe. In the short video, the mother can be heard pleading with the officer and says: 'He's a little 10-year-old boy.' She then attempts to comfort her son, who is visibly crying. Appealing to the officer again, the mother asks him not to handcuff her son, but he remains resolute. 'He's a f***ing kid,' she tells him, before the officer assures her that he will 'explain what he did'. The mother then says: 'Don't hurt him'. As the commotion continues, a second youngster is seen being led away by officers in handcuffs. A day after the incident, the mother wrote: 'Our boys were put in handcuffs on the basis of False allegations! Pure abuse of power and provoking behaviour! Bullying 10 year olds!' The impassioned mother added: 'You wouldn't see them doing this to any other community! 'And they wonder why our children are frit [afraid] of them, this could of been handled in a completely different manner. #abuseofpower'. In a statement posted after the video was circulated, a police spokesperson said: 'Cumbria Police are aware of concerns being expressed on social media in response to the handcuffing and search of two boys at Kirkby Lonsdale. 'At around 11.30am on 22 May 2025 Cumbria Police received a call for service from a member of the public reporting a group of boys on the path by the River Lune, one of whom threatened the caller with a penknife. 'Officers carried out a search in the area and located two boys based on the descriptions provided. 'Due to the report of a knife, the boys were handcuffed for their and officers safety while the searches were completed. 'A search was carried out and no knife located, and the handcuffs removed. 'Officers continue to engage with people in the area. 'Stop and search will be used as appropriate to ensure the safety of all communities as we work to ensure everyone has a safe Appleby Fair.' Around 30,000 visitors from all over Europe descend each year on the small town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, which has hosted the event since 1775. Cumbria Police said it employs an extensive policing operation to 'enhance public safety' at the event, with last year seeing more than 100 arrests taking place.
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Council warn over 'harmful' fakes sold at Appleby Fair market
Market traders at an annual fair are being asked to check their goods are genuine and safe, after more than £500,000-worth of fake items were seized during last year's goods sold during the 2024 Appleby Horse Fair, in Cumbria, included alcohol, tobacco, vapes, perfumes, cosmetics and electrical and Furness Council's Trading Standards manager, Catherine Hornby, warned those shopping at the market may not be aware buying fake goods could be "harmful".Billy Welch, spokesperson for the Gypsy and traveller community, pointed out the adjoining market is not connected to the traditional horse fair, but said the majority of its traders sell genuine products. "There are the odd travellers who set up and sell pots, but there are a lot there from all walks of life," said Mr said "80- 90% of people on the stalls are from the settled community". "The large majority of the travellers are on Fair Hill," he added. This year's Appleby Horse Fair - now in its 249th year - takes place between 5-11 annual event is one of the largest gatherings for Gypsies and travellers in Europe, with its key focus being the sale and showing of horses. The adjoining market is separately organised by a local farmer, Jimmy Winter. The BBC has contacted Mr Winter for comment. 'Serious harm' Ms Hornby said market traders should purchase their goods from reputable suppliers and obtain written assurances the products are last year's fair, 2,500 fake sunglasses were uncovered, along with nearly 200 bottles of perfume with counterfeit Cartier, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dior trademarks. Toys and electrical goods should be marked with the name and address of the manufacturer, and should have a serial number. They should also carry the UKCA or CE mark, which offers assurances of authenticity and safety."The risk of serious harm from counterfeit goods - such as sunglasses that don't provide full UV protection, or from untested cosmetics, perfumes and electrical goods - are obvious," she said."At best you will waste your money on a sub-standard product, at worst you may purchase something that is harmful." Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Hordes of travellers ‘who POO in bushes' will descend on our town in days… we've taken drastic measures to stop them
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FED up residents have drawn up battle plans in fear of travellers going to the toilet in the bushes ahead of the Appleby Horse Fair. Hundreds of travellers are set to pass through the village of Gargrave this week on their way to the annual horse fair. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Appleby Horse Fair has travellers from across Europe coming together for the 250-year-old gathering in Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria. Pictured in 2022 Credit: SWNS 5 Rubbish left by travellers after the Appleby Horse Fair in 2022 Credit: SWNS 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. 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'. Wooden fencing costing £15,000 has been erected around three green areas, and concrete blocks were installed to prevent visitors from setting up camp in some public areas. The rules also state that horse-drawn 'bow top' caravans will only be allowed one full day of rest in the village before being expected to leave - police will be present from 8am until midnight. The council worked alongside traveller and gypsy liaison body Leeds GATE to render the plans which the council say they are in "support of". Ex-solider and Council Chair Greg Butt MBE said: "Last year we saw an exponential increase in numbers of travellers stopping off - more than we have ever had before. "Some residents loved it but it did make some people anxious especially those who are elderly and living alone. "The travellers are welcome but we had to limit the numbers to manageable levels." 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. We're so afraid of chaos we've shut down our town during Appleby Horse Fair – we get urine squirted into our cars By Jonathan Rose A MARKET town shut down to avoid the chaos of the Appleby Horse Fair. Around 10,000 travellers flocked to Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, to buy and sell steeds. They brought with them more than 1,000 caravans and 3,000 horse-drawn vehicles to the event, which dates back to the 1770s. The annual meet-up sees animals to be traded tethered to railings outside pubs and shops on the market town's main street. However a landlord has revealed every pub in the neighbouring town of Kirkby Stephen closed their doors as they are so scared of the bedlam. Locals have reported all manner of crimes in the past including urine being squirted into car windows. Greg has said the event is part of their "cultural history" with travellers passing through the town for "hundreds of years" adding that it is "worth protecting". But last year they saw unprecedented numbers staying over - some for up to five days at a time. One of the worst affected areas was a 100 spare metre triangle of green space just off South Street which is a highly residential area. He said: "People were looking out of their windows and bedrooms and seeing the caravans parked up and were spared nothing. "The council was caught off guard by the sheer numbers - we received a number of complaints." Other affected areas included the northern end of High Green and the front of 'Gotha Mill' on Middle Green. But to prevent similar events of last year the council started drawing up an action plan for the following year in June 2024. Before the plans were finalised the council had two public meetings with residents. They also had a professional meeting involving mediators Restorative Solutions, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Council, and traveller and liaison body, Leeds GATE. The plan involves the parish council, North Yorkshire Council, and the police, who will be in the village from May 23 to June 2 from 8am to midnight. Its aim is to limit the areas available for the travelling community to camp in the village to 'manageable levels' and restricted to their traditional area along Mill Lane. They did this by spending £15,000 to permanently fence off the three affected areas in March 2025. The council has also placed down "temporary" concrete blocks at the pedestrian entrance and maintenance entrance from the beginning of Church Lane to Middle Green. Greg has said that local shops, restaurants, and bars will stay open despite a number of issues arising including shoplifting at a local Co op last year. Also public toilets in the village centre will be open for travellers to use. Greg said: "We have already had a couple of travellers pass through already and they have been understanding. "We just have to manage everything appropriately and instil some resident confidence. "The Leeds GATE group are understanding and agreed that those who cause issues will be dealt with through the law." North Yorkshire Council's corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, said: "Every year, we work closely with parish councils and police and introduce these measures to ensure Appleby Horse Fair can run smoothly and minimise disruption to the local community. "We engage with residents and visitors to ensure the event is well-managed, which includes providing temporary stopping places, increasing police presence and addressing issues raised by the community." Leeds GATE have been approached for a comment. 5 Damage in previous years included trees being torn down Credit: SWNS 5 Rubbish being cleared in a field at the end of the Appleby Horse Fair last year Credit: PA
