Durham prepares stopover areas for Appleby Fair

The annual event, held in Cumbria from June 4 to 10, is a traditional gathering for the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities and attracts visitors travelling through parts of County Durham.

Durham County Council has introduced Temporary Stop-Over Areas (TSOAs) in and around Teesdale and south-west Durham to support safe and respectful travel to and from the fair.

Councillor Dawn Bellingham, the council’s cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, said: “These TSOAs are provided every year, and we would encourage people attending Appleby Horse Fair to use them, as they provide a safe and convenient place to stop.

“We work closely with our partners to ensure that these areas bring benefit to both users and residents living along the routes.”

There are eight TSOAs in place between May 22 and June 25.

The locations are:

• Westerton Lay by, 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 Lay by, DL2 3AP
• Winston Corner, DL2 3RW

The areas are clearly marked with signs and include information on guidance for travellers.

The TSOAs form part of a wider partnership led by the South West Durham and Dales Residents’, Businesses’, and Travellers’ Forum.

The forum includes representatives from the county council, town and parish councils, Durham Constabulary, local businesses and the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities.

Council officers and partner agencies will visit the TSOAs regularly and provide support to those staying there.

Those staying in unauthorised encampments will be given advice and support, but will be encouraged to use the TSOAs.

Travellers and members of the public can find more information about the TSOAs on the Appleby Horse Fair website at www.applebyfair.org.

Durham County Council’s Gypsy Roma Traveller Service can also be contacted by calling 03000 260 000 or by emailing grtservice@durham.gov.uk.