A GROUP has called for the site hosting the upcoming Appleby Horse Fair to be 'closed down' due to E.coli concerns. 

A spokesperson from the Appleby Fair Communities Group cited the lack of washing facilities and hot water as increasing potential health risks. 

Adequate sanitation provision was a significant concern for local residents during the annual horse Fair last year. 

A spokesperson from AFCG said: "The fields in question are licensed to hold 700 caravans, that’s potentially 700 families.  

"The people camp in close proximity and the site is right next door to Fair Hill, so any outbreak could spread there. 

"People in close proximity increase the risk of spreading.  Not to mention the risk of food vendors serving hundreds of people.

"This site should be closed down for the 2023 event due to this very valid health and safety concern," they said. 

Ahead of this year's event, the Gypsy and Traveller communities have collaborated with a charity to improve sanitary conditions. 

Gypsy and Traveller Representatives have ‘recognised’ that the cost to the public purse is significant when it comes to sanitation. 

They have raised £24,000 from charitable donations, to be spread over four years, to provide extra toilets and extra cleaning, wherever they may be needed, in the public interest.

The first tranche of £10,000 has now been paid to Westmorland and Furness Council and Appleby Town Council.

A spokesperson from the Appleby Horse Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) said: "Food hygiene and public health are matters which are taken seriously by the agencies which respond to the event.

"As such, food stalls are visited by Environmental Health staff during the Fair to ensure hygiene standards are in place, including hot water and handwashing facilities.

"Appleby Horse Fair is a unique event. However, where we are able to, we support HSE recommendations and guidance and work to increase awareness of the importance of good hygiene practice during the Fair," they said.