Supporters of a gypsy and traveller fair held near Brough have raised the possibility of a legal challenge should the A66 dualling project get the go-ahead from the Government.
A decision on the £1.3 billion pound proposal from National Highways is now just weeks away, but Brough Hill Fair Community Association claimed this week that the new fair site is “not fit for pigs” and represents discrimination.
The association said this week that the expansion of the A66 would “destroy” the fair’s current site at Brough Hill and that the proposed alternative site was unviable.
The proposed replacement site is south of the A66, away from the Ministry of Defence range and land legally protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The centuries-old gypsy and traveller fair takes place at the end of September. The association has organised a rally in Brough on 1st October, along with a “crowd justice” fundraiser to take the fight to the courts.
After the announcement by the Secretary State of Transport, there is a six-week period where the decision can be challenged.
The association claimed that National Highways had failed to “properly consider the cultural significance” of the fair — an allegation refuted by the government-owned roads company.
Lee Hillyard, project director for the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project, said National Highways had “always acknowledged” the historic and cultural importance of the fair.
In addition, during its equality impact assessment, gypsy and traveller communities had been identified as “key stakeholders”.
Mr Hillyard said it had been “determined” to find a suitable alternative site to replace the one lost at Brough Hill.
Mr Hillyard said: “Our team prioritised finding a suitable replacement site for the Brough Hill Fair and we have put forward proposals for a site that would retain part of the current site and allow for the continuation of traditions and activities and retain the historic connection. Our team is committed to ensure the continuity of the Brough Hill Fair and we will continue to engage with the gypsy community to make sure the proposals are adequate.
“We will continually assess potential impacts — positive and negative — should development consent be granted.”
Billy Welch, on behalf of the Brough Hill Fair Community Association and the gypsy community, said in the statement that the National Highways’ site suggestion was not good enough.
Mr Welch said it would mean the fair being re-located onto a “narrow site squeezed between the new dual carriageway and an industrial-scale farm and cement works”.
He deemed this “unsafe, unacceptable, and discriminatory”.
Mr Welch said: “Brough Hill Fair is ancient and is sacred to gypsy people. It has been part of our culture for generations. We would prefer if we did not have to move, but we accept the road is needed, and are willing to relocate to a good site.
“What we have been offered is not fit for pigs, although, according to National Highways, it is fine for gypsies. We will not use it and it will lead to the death of the fair, and another blow to the gypsy way of life.”
He added: “It is our intention to develop a scheme and consult with the gypsy community for the proposed site. This is likely to include plans to re-profile the land and its boundaries by fencing and other means.”
It has been claimed that “no credible” site alternatives had been put forward by opponents.
