POLICE have placed barriers in Kirkby Lonsdale to stop travellers from setting up a mini horse fair despite current lockdown restrictions.

Police reportedly received ‘intelligence’ that a group planned to defy the lockdown and set up a mini horse fair at Devil’s Bridge, by the A683 in Kirkby Lonsdale.

The town is frequently visited by travellers heading to the annual Appleby Horse Fair however the event - scheduled for June - has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: “With the resources of the police and partner agencies already stretched during the current national health crisis, and priorities directed elsewhere, a decision has been made to put the barriers in place to remove the site as a potential place for caravans.

“The police wish to remind everyone – Gypsies and the travelling community – that Appleby Horse Fair will not take place this year.

"As such, people should not be planning journeys to the county or meetings here."

Police patrols will continue in the area for the next four weeks.

Councillor Allan Muirhead said: “We put boulders down every year to help control the traffic. The loop road on the other side of Devil’s Bridge is used by the travellers on their way to the horse fair in Appleby.

“Police are saying some of them plan on having a little breakaway mini horse fair. They wanted to be careful that they didn’t stop in Kirkby.

“Anyone defying the restrictions in this way are putting themselves at risk as well as others. Nothing against travellers, but anyone breaking the restrictions during a time of so much death is making trouble for others."