Safety concerns as police budget cuts bite at Gypsy fair - Kent

From the Paddock Wood Courier

PLANS to slash policing at the Horsmonden Gypsy horse fair have prompted fears the violence and road chaos of previous years could be repeated.

Police have told Horsmonden parish councillors to expect a reduced presence for the controversial annual event in September.

But council vice-chairman Michael Clemson said the prospect of fewer officers supervising the village green event left him in "dread".

"The police have said they will be scaling down the level of support," he said.

"We're very concerned as a parish council. It's an affair which is growing each year."

Previous trouble, including a stabbing in 1997 and violence between feuding families, has led to high-profile policing in recent years, including road checks and surveillance of visitors.

Kent Police told the Courier this week patrols would no longer be provided for dealing with traffic but pledged a "proportionate" response to people breaking the law.

Mr Clemson said: "It has been quite peaceful in the last few years as the police have worked closely with the Gypsy Council.

"I am personally very concerned, as are many people in the village and those living around the green."

Of the problems caused by the event, he said: "They charge up and down with their pony traps. It is an accident waiting to happen and the Gypsy population will turn up and park wherever they wish.

"There's rivalry between these Gypsy families. If it is not supervised properly, who knows what's going to happen. I dread it, to be honest."

Martin Drinkwater, who runs village green newsagent Crowhurst's, insists on only serving customers through a hatch during the show.

He said: "I'm the only trader that is open every year. Everyone else, including the pubs, closes.

"In recent years it has been largely peaceful. But if the policing is reduced the traffic would be my main concern."

In response to concerns, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Adams said: "Safety at events rests with the organisers, who have civil, common and criminal law responsibilities and who may be liable for consequences if things go wrong.

"This involves the safety of the public, avoiding damage to property, fear or alarm to the public, and disruption to the local community.

"Police officers will no longer be provided to organisers to control traffic within road closures for events. It is recognised, however, that events such as horse fairs are of great importance to the communities."

He added: "Attendance by Kent Police at a public event will be assessed on the requirement to prevent and detect crime and prevent breaches of the peace. This is in line with guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers, ensuring any action taken is lawful and proportionate to the circumstances."