JUNE means only one thing for the town of Appleby and thousands of travellers and their steeds have arrived for the start of the historic annual Horse Fair.

Around 30,000 people are expected to visit Fair Hill over the next week as gypsies, travellers and horse salesmen from across the UK and beyond set up camp in traditional vardoes (horse-drawn caravans), bow top wagons, caravans and tents.

Since the fair's beginnings in 1685, every year Appleby plays host to hordes of travellers. Almost every breed of horse can be seen tied up outside hotels, pubs and shops and filling the town's streets, riverbanks, greens and roadsides. But the week-long event is not only popular with breeders - in recent years stallholders, craft-sellers and entertainers have been drawn in their dozens.

Keith Morgan, chairman of the Appleby New Fair Joint Committee, which pulls together agencies attempting to co-ordinate the annual event, said the population of the town would increase tenfold over the next few days despite fewer travellers arriving in the days running up to the event than in previous years.

"The Horse Fair is a week earlier than usual this year and I think this has put many people off their stride, although once the fair gets into full swing, I am sure we will see as many visitors as in previous years.

"I always look forward to aspects of the week there are some elements not to be missed but the character of the town also changes incredibly and there is some discomfort for locals."

This year, joint committee members including the police, Eden District Council's environmental health officers and the RSPCA will be working together to try to minimise problems.

For reasons of traffic safety, Long Marton Road will be closed from 9am to 7pm from today (Friday) until Sunday between Salt Tip Corner (A66 Exit Road) and Clickham Farm. When driving through other areas motorists are asked to do so with care as there are many pedestrians and horses posing a traffic hazard.

Temporary car parks are being set up around the town to take the extra cars. If you need to park in the town motorists are advised to do so early, leaving cars well secured in designated parking areas and with no valuable items on show.

Cumbria Police have said anyone with concerns or issues they want to raise in respect of the expected influx of large numbers of people to Appleby Horse Fair should contact Cumbria police's and Eden District Council's Combined Action Teams. The numbers to ring are 07980-747397 or 07967-572172.

Police stressed the numbers were not to be used to report a crime but for environmental or highways matters, or issues that impacted on quality of life.