A COUNCIL has responded to calls for a referendum on the Appleby Horse Fair - saying it would help facilitate the vote but that it would need to happen at parish level.

The 'Appleby Fair Communities Group' has started the process of requesting a referendum about the Appleby Horse Fair, claiming to do so under a clause in the Local Government Act 1972.

The group says it has concerns about the town and surrounding villages during the fair and said 'locals feel they are being ignored by their councils'.

It's not clear at this stage how many locals' views are represented by the Appleby Fair Communities Group.

But a spokesperson said: “Our members are tired of the yearly Horse Fair not being run correctly, we are tired of not being listened to and tired of telling authorities that it is out of control and unsafe.  

“We don’t want to sit and wait for the incident that will inevitably happen if we continue down this road.”

READ MORE: Appleby Horse Fair 2022 - a unique culture on display

They asked that the referendum include these questions:

  1. Should Appleby Horse fair be allowed to continue in the current format as a gathering with no organiser or organising body? 
  2. How should Appleby Fair be funded?
  3. Should Appleby Horse Fair be suspended until arrangements are made to comply with the wishes of the community 

 

'Good working relationships have developed'

A spokesperson for Eden District Council said: “The Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) was established seven years ago to ensure all the relevant agencies worked together to share skills and knowledge to support the fair and ensure a safe and welcoming experience for residents and visitors alike.

“Over the years, good working relationships have developed with the travelling community and the local residents in the area and the MASCG is keen to continue building on these positive relationships for the future.

“The group is chaired by Eden District Council with support from representatives from the gypsy and traveller communities, South Lakeland District Council, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Constabulary, the RSPCA, Trading Standards and other agencies, as well as elected representatives from Appleby and the surrounding areas.

“Eden District Council is happy to work with parish councils, providing them with advice and support, should they wish to pursue putting questions relating to the Appleby Horse Fair to their residents.”

READ MORE: Group calls for 'referendum' on Appleby Horse Fair