RESIDENTS are being urged to 'speak up' about any issues that arise during this year’s Appleby Horse Fair and its build-up.

The fair will start on Thursday, June 9 this year - a week later than normal so as not to overlap with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Around 60 people attended a pre-fair meeting in Appleby recently and Cumbria Police used the event to urge people to make the most of the various channels open to them to report any concerns.

There is an option dedicated to Appleby as part of Cumbria Police’s non-emergency 101 number service which also has a call-back facility to ensure concerns can be addressed without long waits.

Between 75 and 95 per cent of calls to the line were dealt with in less than five minutes during last year’s fair.

READ MORE: Fair cost doubles to £496,000 - but was 'safe and enjoyable', says report

There are also online reporting options available on the Cumbria Police website and superintendent Matthew Kennerley, who is in charge of policing the Appleby Horse Fair, would also welcome people giving feedback to any of the 100 police officers who will be working around the town this year.

He said: “All patrols across the region are now increasing in the run-up to the fair.

“A dedicated phone line through 101 has been set up, we have a call-back option and online reporting to help keep waiting times to a minimum.”

Daily Community Advisory Group meetings will also be held in Appleby from June 3 and there are drop-in sessions for residents in Kirkby Lonsdale and Sedbergh running from May 31 until June 18.

Les Clark, chairman of the multi-agency strategic co-ordinating group (MACSG) for Appleby Horse Fair, said: "As usual MACSG have reinforced the usual ‘Do not come early’ message in respect of the jubilee celebrations taking place across the area.

“MASCG have also put some operational changes in place, based on the experience from last year’s fair.

"This includes the number and type of toilet provisions to increase capacity and accommodate more people.

“In addition, MASCG are considering extending the closure of The Sands later into the evening on some days; details will be confirmed soon.

"We have also consulted on changes to the Traffic Regulation Order and have formalised the arrangements that have been in place for the last two fairs including the 40mph speed limit along the A685 between Appleby Road and Brough.”

Another feature of this year’s fair is the reduced number of licensed premises that have decided to open.