Appleby residents are calling on their representatives to make sure they continue to have open access to the town’s Fair Hill, after some “ugly encounters” over a closed gate.
It has been claimed that threats have been made over the issue of the gate — which was subject to a protracted dispute seven years ago and is now being closed, fuelling anger among dog walkers and other Fair Hill users.
Sue Bradley, of Long Marton Road, told a meeting of Appleby Town Council that residents want the outer gate to Fair Hill to be left open as it had been since 2015 and for many years before that.
Speaking on behalf of townsfolk — including about 20 who had turned out to protest ahead of Wednesday’s town council meeting — Sue said that in 2015 it was established that the people of Appleby should have open access to the Fair Hill.
The car parking area at the hill was the town council’s responsibility as they act as custodians of the area on the behalf of the people of Appleby, she said.
“For well over seven years no signage was ever put up and the gate was never closed apart from at horse fair time.
“We believe this in itself proves that closing the gate is totally unnecessary.
“Since that time we have enjoyed safe, uninterrupted access to the car park area with no problems,” said Sue. She added: “There are many people who use the car park and walk with their children or dogs. To my certain knowledge several disabled people use it.
“Many people just go up there to gaze at the fantastic views or have their coffee or lunch or even to stargaze.
“With the gate being closed they are now forced to stop outside the gate on a dangerous bend on the top of the hill to get out and open the gate. In addition, many people assume when the gate is closed that access is denied.”
Mayor Gareth Hayes said the book of minutes had been looked at from meetings of the full council and its Fair Hill working party meetings, which were held in 2014 and 2015.
He said the agreed recommendation was that the top outer gate should be left unlocked, but closed and not left open at all times, with the erection of sign.
However, the meeting was told no sign was ever erected.
“It has been left open simply because whatever was said there was not followed through and a sign was not put up after that,” said Mr Hayes.
Hugh Potts said: “To my mind, we didn’t agree to leave it open, we agreed that it couldn’t be locked, but it could be closed.
“I think that common sense should prevail. We are in a country area, with country ways, if you want to leave it open, leave it open, if you want closed, you close it. It is up to every individual to decide what they want to do. I don’t think we are in a position to start and tell the locals what to do.”
It was agreed that the issue should go back to be looked at by the council’s Fair Hill committee again. A recommendation would then be made to full council before a decision is made about how to proceed.
