New rules set to end build up of Travellers - Cumbria

From the Teeside Mercury

MEMBERS of a dale forum are hoping that new arrangements in Cumbria will help prevent a repeat of last year’s build up of Traveller caravans in the Bowes area.
Since the 1600s Teesdale has served as a temporary home to the hundreds of Travellers who make their way to the historic Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria every year.

In recent years, authorities across the county border have introduced stopping restrictions in the lead up to the event. And this has seen an increase in Travellers staying in the dale as they wait for the fair and associated campsites to open.

About 200 Traveller caravans arrived in Bowes last year, causing concern and road safety fears among residents and police.

But now Cumbrian authorities have agreed that this year they will open a field early at Appleby for bow top caravans.

Sgt Chris Knox of Barnard Castle Police, said: “They are working with us to try and minimise the impact on us. We will be in daily contact to resolve any issues that arise.” He added that Travellers are now using social media to find out where spaces are available, which is also helping prevent overcrowding on sites.

This year’s Appleby Fair runs from June 7 to June 13.

The Teesdale Residents and Travellers Forum and the dale’s police officers are working to ensure the annual passage of travellers through Teesdale is as peaceful as possible.

Police have written to residents living next to the Demesnes in Barnard Castle urging them to make sure barriers to the site remain locked during this time.
Fields at the beauty spot are usually occupied by the town’s Meet during this period but the Meet will be held at Scar Top and the castle grounds this year.

“There is a concern that if the barriers are not locked, there may be a breach,” said Sgt Knox. “It is in the interests of residents to make sure the retractable bollard is locked and secure at all times.”

Officers have again organised a legal order to prevent parking on the road or pavement at Bridgegate in Barnard Castle – a previous flashpoint of Traveller trouble.

And a new order, known as a section 14, will be in place on Bowes Road at Startforth. Both orders will be in effect from May 28 to June 18, and letters with details have been sent to residents.

As usual, official sites with water and toilet facilities will be set aside for travellers to use. The sites at Shaw Bank, Barnard Castle, and at Broomielaw will be open from May 25 to June 22.

Travellers will also be encouraged to stay at designated ‘temporary areas of acceptance’ at Bowes, Wakefield and Winston.

Cllr Tony Cooke, chairman of the forum said: “The Teesdale Residents and Travellers Forum is committed to minimising the impact the migration has on the settled community and ensuring the safety of Travellers as they pass through the area.”
Sgt Knox said “all reasonable steps” have been taken to ensure the period passes as safely and peacefully as possible.