Anti-traveller sentiment is ‘in full flow’ ahead of the return of Appleby Horse Fair, an anti-racism group has warned.

Gypsies and travellers en route to next week’s Appleby Horse Fair have started arriving at several temporary stopping places prepared by the council.

Non-profit organisation Anti Racist Cumbria is urging the community to welcome the ‘wonderful’ annual tradition which is an ‘iconic part’ of Cumbrian heritage.

A spokesman said: “Sadly the anti-traveller sentiment is in full flow.

“There is often comments around ‘mess’ yet thousands go to Kendal Calling in a single weekend often leaving their mess, but the ‘festival culture’ is not demonised in the same way.

“As speed restrictions are put in place on local roads to allow horses to travel safely we hear ‘shouldn’t be allowed for non-tax payers, they’re a danger on modern roads’ yet the cycling tour that passes through our county is welcomed.

“Then there’s the rhetoric of ‘they don’t pay taxes’ itself. Firstly, this is an untrue and racist stereotype.

“The travelling community do live a different lifestyle to many people in the UK. But that’s ok. It’s different. It’s not wrong.”