Traffic calming for horses, improved signs and a new footway will all be in place for this year’s Appleby Horse Fair thanks to a £340,000 boost.
Funding has been secured for the new measures after issues were raised by townsfolk after last year’s event.
They will include temporary traffic calming on the road known as The Flashing during the event and fencing in the verge of the road will also be removed and a new footway installed.
It was recognised that the fencing on that stretch of road was in a poor condition and there had been a number of requests from people for a footway to improve connectivity and provide a safer route for pedestrians.
To maintain pedestrian safety during the fair, a guardrail will be installed and will be removed for the remainder of the year.
Measures will also be put in place to prevent illegal camping at Appleby Leisure Centre.
The measures are being funded through Westmorland and Furness Council’s Integration and Improvement Fund. Of the £340,000, £200,000 is for the safety railing and footway.
The plans have been considered and agreed by the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordination Group to ensure the full backing of all fair partners.
A spokesman for Westmorland and Furness Council said: “The funding will help to improve experiences for both residents and visitors during the fair, ultimately making the fair as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone, but also delivering some year-round benefits for the local community.’’
The council said it intended to have as many of the improvements introduced ahead of the 2024 fair and it is anticipated that the footway improvement work will start after the Easter weekend.
Appleby Horse Fair takes place from June 6 to June 12.
