Preparations underway for Appleby Horse Fair

We are establishing TSOAs along roads traditionally used by Gypsies and Travellers heading to and from the fair, which takes place from Thursday 6 to Wednesday 12 June.

It is part of a coordinated response that also involves the South West Durham Business, Residents and Travellers' Forum and the Teesdale Residents and Travellers' Forum, which include representatives from the county council, town and parish councils, Durham Constabulary, local businesses and Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities.

Seven TSOAs will operate along traditional travelling routes to Appleby in Teesdale and the wider South-west Durham area, from Friday 24 May until Friday 27 June.

TSOA locations 

• Westerton Layby, DL14 8AL
• Gurney Valley, DL14 8RP
• Broomielaw Picnic Area, DL12 8TT
• Guide Post Corner, Bowes, DL12 9HU
• Land at Stainton Bank, DL12 8RQ
• Shaw Bank Field, DL12 8TD
• Wackerfield Layby, DL2 3AP
• Winston Corner, DL2 3RW

Benefit to all

Joanne Waller, our head of community protection services, said: "Appleby Horse Fair has a long history and, for hundreds of years, Gypsies and Travellers attending the event have passed through County Durham. We are committed to working with our partners to provide TSOAs that benefit those using them and the residents living along the routes. These areas are provided every year so I would encourage people heading to Appleby Horse Fair to make use of the TSOAs as they travel through County Durham."

Officers from the council and other agencies will be making regular visits to the TSOAs and unauthorised encampments to ensure appropriate support is offered to people staying there.

Temporary signs will be in place to advise of the locations of TSOAs as well as signage detailing 'Guidance for your Stay' for those who encamp.