The number of arrests at Appleby Horse Fair was at its highest level since 2014 as the gypsy and traveller event concluded.
As the majority of visitors leave Appleby, the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group thanked people for their patience during what has been a challenging weekend.
Robert Docherty, assistant director of communities at Eden District Council, said: “For a variety of reasons this has been a difficult and challenging fair for everyone involved, not least because of the understandable concerns people continue to have regarding coronavirus.
“Whilst we understood the demands from some quarters for people to be stopped from coming to Appleby this summer, the reality was that no such powers existed to do so.
“As such, the MASCG took the difficult decision earlier in the year to point the gypsy and traveller community to a date late in the summer for which agencies could prepare as best as possible and people could have the greatest opportunity to get vaccinated.”
The MASCG is keen that lessons be learnt from the 2021 fair, including some of the issues raised by the local community.
Mr Docherty said: “There are certainly lessons to be learnt this year. And while some of the issues have been exacerbated by the fair taking place later in the summer, when other events elsewhere in the country have squeezed access to key resources, we are keen to listen and to build.
“One of the primary complaints we saw this weekend was a lack of toilet facilities. Combined with difficulties regarding access to public house facilities, the result was a rise in street urination.
“Portable toilets have been extremely scarce as people look to host events across the country. However, we are keen to ensure this is a matter which is prioritised early for 2022 to ensure as much is done as possible to prevent this from being an issue next summer.”
Challenging year for policing
The policing of the fair has also been challenging this year.
The number of people arrested for fair-related alleged offending was at its highest level since 2014.
However, this was primarily a result of the seven arrests made following disorder on The Sands on Friday.
The other arrests included alleged offending including disqualified driving, breaching a dispersal order, breach of the peace and public order offences.
Superintendent Matt Kennerley said: “I’d like to thank people for their patience and understanding during the 2021 fair.
“There were periods during the weekend when it appeared there were significant numbers of people who were travelling to the area intent on causing trouble rather than enjoy a holiday.
“This is unacceptable for the police, for the local residents and for the majority of the gypsy and traveller community who wish for the fair to be violence-free – which is why we took the decision on Saturday to put in place a Section 60 order and deploy additional armed officers.
“Finally, another word of warning for people driving in and around Appleby today and in the coming days. Please take extra care as there is likely to be slow-moving traffic in the area. Let’s make sure everyone reaches their destination safely.”
