21/10/2009 - Public Endorse Measures for a Safer Horse Fair

Appleby Horse Fair has been hailed as a safer, more enjoyable and better co-ordinated event than ever before, according to a new Evaluation Report into the last event held in June 2009.

The Evaluation Report shows that local residents, Gypsies and Travellers and visitors have welcomed the second year of new operational management arrangements by public agencies to improve safety at the annual Appleby Horse Fair, which is one of the largest gatherings of Gypsies and Travellers in Europe. 

The Multi Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) who took over responsibility for the co-ordination of the Horse Fair in July 2008, and are now half way through a three-year improvement plan to make this unique event safer, more enjoyable and closer to the vibrant cultural event that the Fair is renowned for.

Over the past few months a detailed evaluation process has taken place for the 2009 Horse Fair. This comprised a public agency debrief, feedback from the Gypsy and Traveller community, public meetings, drop in sessions and Neighbourhood forum events being held in and around Appleby and individual comments being received via the dedicated Horse Fair website.

The work of the Group for the 2009 Fair was based on the priorities identified after a similar evaluation the previous year which led to the development of an Improvement Plan.

“A great deal of work went into planning operations for this year’s Horse Fair based upon those priorities and we have received very positive feedback from residents and the Gypsy and Traveller community as a result,” said Kevin Douglas, Chair of the MASCG and Chief Executive of Eden District Council. “We are making significant progress in making the event safer and proactive work by Cumbria Police, Trading Standards and HMRC in tackling some of the crime and disorder issues associated with the Fair has sent out a strong message that their actions and behaviour won’t be tolerated. Alongside this, there were increased cultural and community improvements to help the impact on the local area.”

“The clean-up operation, increased cultural activities and improved communication via the new dedicated website have been real success stories; the website received over 600,000 hits and has been shortlisted for several awards. For 2010, we are looking to improve arrangements for Appleby’s outlying areas and see how greater liaison with agencies from outside Eden and Cumbria can reduce the impact of the Fair in other geographical areas.”

Increased planning for the 2009 Horse Fair saw the introduction of improvements that included: 

·         Regulated caravan sites for the Fair within the 1.5 mile zone of Appleby via planning regulations and caravan site licenses.

·         A protocol for transit arrangements prior to the Fair agreed by all agencies and then enforced. 

·         Licensing Charter agreed with all agencies and licensed premises for the period of the Fair.

·         Increased presence of educational and cultural activities.

·         Improved toilet provision for Gypsies and Travellers.

·         Improved communication and media planning to ensure the new measures were effectively communicated to the public; these included a dedicated website www.applebyfair.org

“Our policing operation this year was planned to provide firm and fair law enforcement and tackle incidents and issues at an early stage to prevent them turning into large scale violence or disorder,” said Cumbria Constabulary’s Chief Superintendent, Steve Johnson. “In line with the policing pledge, our priorities were set by the local community and balanced with the needs of the Gypsy and Traveller communities who attended the event.

“The number of arrests was up on previous years, which was due to our proactive style of policing. We specifically targeted the minority of people who were intent on causing trouble, and seized a large number of offensive weapons and items that could have been used as weapons in the wrong hands. We were determined to protect the majority and create a safe environment for visitors to enjoy, and allow local people to go about their business with as little disruption as possible.

“The fact that we removed so many weapons from the street undoubtedly made the event safer, and demonstrates the importance of the scale of policing operation we conducted. We will take a zero tolerance approach to the carrying of weapons next year. Our message is clear - if you plan to cause trouble or carry a weapon, you are not welcome. We are determined that Appleby Fair should be a safe and traditional event for all to enjoy."

Chief Superintendent Paul Kennedy, South Cumbria's most senior police officer, said: "The policing of Appleby Fair itself was a success, but we also recognise the needs of the communities in the Sebergh and surrounding areas, who feel the effects of a large influx of visitors during the run-up to, and close, of the Fair. We will be working with colleagues at Eden and South Lakes District Councils to put measures in place to better support these communities in 2010. We are working with local community groups to ensure the views and concerns of residents are taken into account as the Fair draws closer."

The MASCG are working to improve cultural activities and understanding between the settled community and Gypsies and Travellers at part of their operational planning. This builds on the work of group such as Education on the Hoof, who promote the role of Traveller Education Services in supporting educational access for all Gypsy and Traveller children. At this year’s Fair their work include a display of artwork made in local primary schools in the weeks leading up to the Fair. 

David Sheard, Cumbria County Council's representative on the Multi Agency Strategic

Co-ordinating Group, helped co-ordinate the cultural work at this year’s fair. He said:

"One of our main aims is to return Appleby Fair to its traditional roots, and educating people about Gypsy and Traveller culture is an important part of this. This year we saw local school children, residents and visitors to the fair all being educated about a way of life that many people know very little about. We have challenged many myths and stereotypes, broadened horizons and built links which hopefully will benefit the fair for years to come.”

Planning for the 2010 Horse Fair which is being held on 3-9 June is already well under way. One of the biggest hurdles the MASCG has to overcome is devising a long-term funding strategy to finance the group’s operational planning.

“The MASCG are acutely aware that the costs of operational planning for the Horse Fair are currently being met by the public purse. We need to agree a funding strategy for the event from 2010 onwards, to ensure that the joint agency work that the public recognises makes the Horse Fair safer for all concerned continues. This means individuals who are currently benefiting from the Horse Fair need to contribute towards its operations costs to reduce the burden on tax payers,” said Kevin Douglas.

For more information about the MASCG or to read the 2009 Horse Evaluation Report visit www.applebyfair.org

ENDS