Horse fair could be Euro highlight
Published on 18/04/2008
APPLEBY Horse Fair has the potential to become one of the best cultural events in Europe, according to a new report.
The study, conducted by a team from Salford University, looks at how tensions between residents and the gypsy/traveller community can be addressed to make the annual event a major tourist attraction.
Commissioned by the district and county councils, the report recognises that opinion is currently divided about the value of the fair.
It states that there are those who welcome the event and see it as a boost for the local economy, yet there are others who have concerns about issues such as unauthorised use of land, the early arrival of gypsies and travellers and the rubbish that they leave behind.
The document looks at how many of these issues can be resolved just by improving communication between gypsies/travellers and the people of Appleby and surrounding area.
Ultimately it recommends more funding for the event, which would result in improved refuse collections, toilet provision, road safety and policing.
However, it also recognises growing concerns that the event is moving away from being a traditional horse fair to becoming a market or car boot sale. The report is one of two commissioned by local authorities in Cumbria to address the needs of the gypsy and traveller community in the county, both during the horse fair and on a permanent basis.
Both documents were unveiled at a meeting in Penrith earlier this week, attended by representatives from a wide range of parties, including the gypsy and traveller fraternity, involved in the studies.
The second report highlights the negative attitudes towards these people and the lack of available sites for them to set up home. It calls for better communication in a bid to change attitudes and the provision of new plots in each area of the county.
The findings estimate that there are at least 771 gypsies and travellers living in Cumbria, yet there are no local authority-run sites. The only authorised plots are at private sites in Carlisle in Penrith.
The knock-on effect is that they are ultimately moved on, which in turn causes problems accessing basic services such as healthcare and education. On top of this, more than a third of gypsies and travellers in Cumbria say they have suffered harassment or intimidation.
Billy Welch, one of those representing the gypsy, traveller and fairground community at the launch in Penrith, said he was extremely encouraged by the report and hoped it would finally lead to action.
APPLEBY Horse Fair has the potential to become one of the best cultural events in Europe, according to a new report.
The study, conducted by a team from Salford University, looks at how tensions between residents and the gypsy/traveller community can be addressed to make the annual event a major tourist attraction.
Commissioned by the district and county councils, the report recognises that opinion is currently divided about the value of the fair.
It states that there are those who welcome the event and see it as a boost for the local economy, yet there are others who have concerns about issues such as unauthorised use of land, the early arrival of gypsies and travellers and the rubbish that they leave behind.
The document looks at how many of these issues can be resolved just by improving communication between gypsies/travellers and the people of Appleby and surrounding area.
Ultimately it recommends more funding for the event, which would result in improved refuse collections, toilet provision, road safety and policing.
However, it also recognises growing concerns that the event is moving away from being a traditional horse fair to becoming a market or car boot sale. The report is one of two commissioned by local authorities in Cumbria to address the needs of the gypsy and traveller community in the county, both during the horse fair and on a permanent basis.
Both documents were unveiled at a meeting in Penrith earlier this week, attended by representatives from a wide range of parties, including the gypsy and traveller fraternity, involved in the studies.
The second report highlights the negative attitudes towards these people and the lack of available sites for them to set up home. It calls for better communication in a bid to change attitudes and the provision of new plots in each area of the county.
The findings estimate that there are at least 771 gypsies and travellers living in Cumbria, yet there are no local authority-run sites. The only authorised plots are at private sites in Carlisle in Penrith.
The knock-on effect is that they are ultimately moved on, which in turn causes problems accessing basic services such as healthcare and education. On top of this, more than a third of gypsies and travellers in Cumbria say they have suffered harassment or intimidation.
Billy Welch, one of those representing the gypsy, traveller and fairground community at the launch in Penrith, said he was extremely encouraged by the report and hoped it would finally lead to action.
Labels: Cumbria, Europe, Gypsy, Horse Show, Travellers
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