By Dave Gudgeon

Last updated at 13:38, Monday, 22 December 2008

A long-standing opponent of the traditional Appleby Horse Fair has called for a new clampdown on the event.

Appleby Horse Fair

Eric Fleming has now collected a 500-signature petition which will be presented to Penrith and the Border MP David Maclean.

The annual event draws thousands of visitors and members of the travelling community to the town each year – but tends to divide opinion.

Mr Fleming said: “If there is still a lot of noise and carry on this year, there will be more protests. The local people have had enough.

“People’s gardens are used as toilets and we just want some control because people at the fair are just running wild.”

Mr Fleming has campaigned against the Appleby New Fair for many years – and his concerns have grown as it has expanded.

He is particularly concerned about the early arrival of some travellers and the associated parking problems for locals.

He said: “They come early and there are so many people about they just park anywhere, right outside your house – blocking your drive.”

The Appleby New Fair is now under the control of a multi-agency group.

It comprises Cumbria county and Eden district councils, the Environment Agency, the RSPCA, the emergency services and NHS Cumbria.

Some people believe that next year’s fair will be smaller than of late because of the economic climate – fewer people may travel to Appleby to trade horses.

Mayor Clare Patterson recently said, in her personal capacity, that the fair was too big for the town of Appleby to cope with.

First published at 11:26, Monday, 22 December 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk