Police make seven arrests at Appleby Horse Fair

The force said crime and disorder was comparatively low, despite increased numbers. The high turnout saw up to 1,200 caravans descend on the town compared with about 990 last year.

The Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG), a partnership including Cumbria Police, Eden Council the RSPCA and the Gypsy and Traveller community aims to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Superintendent Mark Pannone, of Cumbria Police, said: “Despite the numbers, crime and disorder has remained comparatively low and I thank the majority of visitors for their behaviour.

“We plan all year round and will learn lessons from this year’s event, particularly regarding some of the strain that was felt by surrounding towns and villages in the days leading up to the fair.

“We begin each Appleby Horse Fair with the primary goal of keeping people safe, which is no small task with an event of this size. This is only achievable thanks to the partnership and the goodwill of local residents, Gypsies and Travellers. "

Two people were arrested for bring drunk and disorderly, one for drink-driving, one for a public order offence and one for a breach of the peace. Another person was arrested for breaching a court order and the last was for a fail to appear offence.

The RSPCA has launched four animal welfare investigations after horses were worked to exhaustion at the fair. Read more .

Meetings were held throughout the fair to ensure agencies were aware of any issues and feedback received was generally positive.

MASCG chairman Matthew Neal, of Eden Council, said: “This has been one of the busiest fairs we have seen in recent years, thanks in no small part to the warm weather we have had throughout.

"In relation to concerns that have been raised by communities, their concerns have been heard.

"Residents' concerns will be at the forefront of our minds during the review of the 2018 fair which will inform the planning to prevent repeat occurrences for next year."

Gypsy and Traveller representative Billy Welch, said: "I’m delighted with how this year’s fair has gone. The weather has been very good for the most part and, as usual, the fair has been a great opportunity for families who only see each other once a year to meet up.

“People I have spoken to are saying it has been one of the best fairs ever. Being a member of the multi-agency group, I hope this fair will be the bench-mark for what future fairs should be."