Appleby Horse Fair 2011
APPLEBY FAIR 2011
TRAVELLING THROUGH TEESDALE
This page gives information to travellers and gypsies who will be passing through Teesdale this year going to and from Appleby Fair. The Police and our partners on the Residents and Traveller Forum have been working over the last 12 months to ensure your journey through the dale is safe and trouble free.
As in recent years we have reserved special temporary areas where you are welcome to stop. As far as possible we have tried to ensure there is space for horses to graze. At these locations Durham County Council will provide portable toilets, water and waste collection.
The sites where you are welcome to stop:
| Site | Location and extra information |
| Broomilaw | on the A688 near Stainton |
| Shawbank |
on the outskirts of Barnard Castle. Shawbank will welcome travellers and gypsies from Monday 20th May when the site will be opened. The site will close on Friday 17th June when the toilet and water facilities will be removed and the site will close. |
| North side of the cross roads, Winston | New fencing was erected to protect the south greens in 2009 but you are welcome to tether horses within this new enclosure. Please do not attempt to camp on the protected area |
| Wackerfield | We understand the distances horses can travel in a day so ask that after Wackerfield you consider using the two big sites avoiding Staindrop village itself. |
| Guide Post Corner | on the approach to Bowes - we ask that you take special care with children and the horses due to the speed of traffic on the A67 road |
The sites where you are not allowed to stop:
| Site | Location and extra information |
| Bridgegate | Road closure will be in place to ensure no one stops or parks at this location from the Bank to the County Bridge between 23rd May and 13th June. In the interests of fairness and equality this exclusion extends to local residents. Please use the five areas of acceptance in the table above. |
| Demenses | Off Gray Lane - It is essential that this area remains clear as it is needed to set up the town MEET weekend carnival which attracts thousands of visitors during the May bank holiday weekend. An encampment at this field would cause serious community disruption and could result in enforcement action. |
Be Seen, Be safe
Over the past three years we have given away hundreds of reflective chevron bow top covers to help alert motorists and HGV drivers to your presence. We have a small stock available at the front counter of Barnard Castle Police office in Harmire Road. 
Working with North Yorkshire and Cumbria Police we have arranged for flashing electronic matrix signs to warn drivers across the A66. Traveller Liaison Services staff also carry a supply of bow top safety leaflets which give advice. Please ask for one when you see them. In addition there will be increased Road Policing Unit patrols to monitor traffic and speeding vehicles. We want everyone travelling through our area to remain safe.
Teesdale Police work hard to identify and establish 
additional stop over sites. Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the countryside in support of both local people and travellers. Please feel free to raise any concerns and work with us to make your journey enjoyable. You can also contact us at barnardcastle@durham.pnn.police.uk or on 0345 6060 365 asking for the Teesdale Neighbourhood team. You are also welcome to call in to the main office in Harmire Road. Other telephone numbers which may be useful to you are Durham County Council Traveller Liaison Services are on 0191 3708731. Social Care & Health helpline 0845 8505010.
Following the fair we would welcome feedback from travellers about this years arrangements in Teesdale.
Images: Copyright - The Northern Echo
