RUMOURS have circulated on social media of a potential protest against the Appleby Horse Fair. 

The event which brings thousands of visitors to Appleby is one of the largest gatherings in Europe for Gypsies and travellers.

This year's event runs from June 6 - 12. 

Social media has hinted at a potential "blockade" of the town on June 8, fuelled by an anonymous post claiming the event harms the town's 'livelihood'. 

It has not been confirmed as to whether or not the protest will go ahead. 

The Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (MASCG), created in 2008 as a combination of agencies to bring together skills and knowledge to support the Fair, has released a statement in response.  

READ MORE: New traffic management plan rolled out ahead of Appleby Horse Fair

Steph Cordon, chair of MASCG and Westmorland and Furness Councils Director of Thriving Communities, said: “The policing of Appleby Horse Fair is Cumbria Constabulary’s largest policing operation, with officers working in Appleby and the surrounding communities in the weeks leading up to the Fair, as well as during and after to keep people safe.

“We are aware that for many people who live locally, this time of year can be very challenging.

"We would encourage anyone with concerns regarding issues or incidents relating to the Fair to report them immediately so that they can be acted upon.

“People can report issues by using the online CAG form, which are read and actioned daily by the MASCG agencies involved in the response to the Fair.

"People can also report non-emergency police issues online or via 101. People should always call 999 in an emergency.

“The easy to complete online CAG form is available at https://forms.office.com/e/rw7dsc2SyM and the online form to report non-emergency police issues is at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit."