One day about two weeks ago I was driving from Sedbergh to Kirkby Stephen but was repeatedly slowed down by gypsies with horse-drawn, bow top caravans. I noticed that a number of lay-bys were blocked off but that certain areas had been set aside with the provision of skips and portable toilets.

My first thought was the cost and possible detrimental impact on the area from these people, and the inconvenience to me. On reflection I’m embarrassed, ashamed even, since their historical, annual trip to Appleby and its Horse Fair easily precedes my ancestors arrival to Westmorland three generations ago.

And it caused me to wonder why the authorities, instead of tolerating this influx (for the roadside signage and obstructions seem to suggest it), should rather celebrate the event in the Eden valley by encouraging other parallel, revenue-generating, visitor-attracting events.

This is too much to expect the town council at Appleby to do but maybe the county council could organise something so the event is cash raising, not cash draining?

We constantly hear of cuts, so to use a cliche, please think outside the box.

David Taylor

Kendal