COUNCIL officers and police will be undertaking daily 'verge patrols' to check for issues along the routes used by gypsies and travellers as they begin arriving for this year's Appleby Horse Fair.

The popular gathering attracts tens of thousands to the area each year.

However, its usual June dates were cancelled both this year and last amid the coronavirus pandemic. It is instead set to return later this month.

South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has put in place measures to accommodate the influx of people.

“Through our arrangements leading up to and during the fair, we want to ensure the movement of gypsies and travellers through the district is safe and enjoyable for everyone and to reduce the impact on the environment,” said SLDC locality officer John Barwise.

Attendees have been 'strongly advised' not to arrive too early and to plan journeys carefully to minimise the impact on residents.

Temporary stopping points for both traditional 'bowtop' caravans and motorised towed caravans have been set up at four locations:

•Devil’s Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale

•Middleton Common, near Sedbergh

•Rawthey Bridge, Cautley, near Sedbergh

•Scrogg Bank Field, Sedbergh

All four sites offer toilets and bins or skips. Drinking water is also on tap at Devil’s Bridge and Scrogg Bank.

Daily 'verge patrols' will be carried out to check for issues and ensure caravans are not parked anywhere other than the stopping points.

The fair is scheduled to take place between Thursday, August 12 and Sunday, August 15.

Issues can be raised with SLDC’s locality team by emailing locality@southlakeland.gov.uk or by calling 01539 733333.