Appleby’s Fair Hill gate to be padlocked open

A gate which gives Appleby residents access to the town’s Fair Hill is to be padlocked open.

Martin Stephenson, who had chaired two sessions of the town council’s Fair Hill committee, told a meeting of Appleby Town Council that there had been a lengthy discussion and consideration of the council’s duty of care to all parties.

In September, town councillors were told there had been some “ugly encounters” after residents found that a gate – which was subject to a protracted dispute seven years ago – was 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.

There were serious safety concerns about entering a hard standing area, where people park their cars, when the gate is closed, as motorists are forced to stop to open the gate on what is a dangerous bend on the brow of the hill, town councillors were told.

Following their discussions, the Fair Hill committee’s recommendation was that current gate should be left open and padlocked to the side post, said Mr Stephenson.

This proposal was agreed, but the town council reserves the right to close the gate at certain times, as it deems necessary. A review is due to take place in the new year.