Appleby Horse Fair power cut forces pubs to close

From the News and Star

A power cut in an Appleby pub sparked a chain of events which forced four other pubs in the town to close.

Hundreds of Gypsies, Travellers and tourists were in the small town at the weekend to celebrate the annual four-day Horse Fair.

Historically marred by trouble, police had been delighted at the success thus far of the event.

However, an electricity problem in the Crown and Cushion pub led to unruly scenes on Saturday.

Landlady Sandra Counter said: “It started at about 3pm when the lights started flashing.”

As the hours passed, the situation worsened. The whole street lost power – forcing Appleby Bakery and the Spar to close their doors – and the cooker then the beer pumps shut down in the Crown and Cushion.

“By about 5.30pm I took the decision it was getting dangerous,” Mrs Counter said. “It was dim, then the lights went out. We were full and with the toilet floor being wet, people were slipping and it was just too dangerous to stay open.”

It took her and her staff almost an hour to clear the pub, despite the blackout, with many customers unhappy at the decision.

Mrs Counter added: “Some people weren’t happy when we stopped serving, but I had to explain the electricity board believed it could be anytime between 7pm and 4am before we got power again.”

Many drinkers went into the Hare and Hounds, but it became overwhelmed by the numbers trying push inside.

In the end, they too decided to close at about 9pm.

Mrs Counter’s electricity came on at about this time, but knowing there was only 90 minutes before last orders – and having heard about the Hare and Hounds closing – she decided to remain closed.

“A lot of people went to The Grapes and The Royal Oak, but because they were full – and the Spar was shut – the police were queuing people outside the Co-op to get their alcohol!”

Weight of numbers meant The Grapes, the Royal Oak and The Golden Ball became overcrowded and also had to close early. One woman from the town, who did not want to be named, said the police “lost control” when the pubs began closing and were unable to cope with the influx of people.

Meanwhile, access to the River Eden was closed off on Saturday after torrential rain took water levels to a dangerous height.

Officers from the RSPCA were present to keep an eye on animal welfare, and they confiscated sticks from people they believed may be using them on the horses.

Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, who oversaw the policing operation, said: “Despite the weather and the closing of the river, people still enjoyed the fair, which is reflected in the low number of arrests.”