WAGON wheels are being polished, horses scrubbed and preparations made as the clock counts down again to the centuries' old tradition of Appleby Horse Fair.

The annual event, which is believed to have developed from a fair charter granted in 1685, takes place between June 5 and 11 in the town and around the Fair Hill area.

Upwards of 5,000 travellers from all over the UK and Ireland, joined by 30,000 tourists, are expected for the week-long gathering.

Held primarily to trade horses, the event now attracts dozens of individual stallholders, crafts and entertainers, with a highlight being the traditional harness racing held on Tuesday.

Keith Morgan, chairman of Appleby New Fair Joint Committee since 1990, said: "It is, by quite a long way, the most significant event of its kind. There are people who come to Appleby Fair now whose family have been coming for generations. It is a major event for Appleby because it is one of the things the town is known for."

Concerns about illegal encampments, nuisance behaviour, pedestrian safety and traffic management have led to a farmer

and Eden District Council providing a temporary camping site at Stainmore, and police are taking steps to

reduce congestion and monitor car parking.

Mr Morgan said: "It would be fair to say it changes the town completely and what we have here is unlike anything that happens during the rest of the year.

"At the same time it is something that gives the local economy a substantial boost and ensures Appleby remains well known. You don't judge Appleby during fair week, it becomes very, very busy but it is quite a spectacle from the point of view of the horses being shown and being traded. It is probably a unique experience because there is nothing quite like it in terms of scale and history."

This year's event will see a Flashing Lane alongside Long Marton Road where gypsies can show their horses safely, along with a unit of officers from the police, RSPCA and Eden District Council to tackle any problems that may occur.

In addition a mobile police station will be based at Salt Tip Corner on the busiest days of Saturday and Sunday and a wooden ramp will be erected in the river to improve safety for horses jostling for a wash or drink.

May 29, 2003 15:30