By Thom Kennedy

Last updated 12:20, Friday, 14 November 2008

Appleby Horse Fair is set for an overhaul after a consultation found people were left in fear from aggressive and anti-social behaviour.

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Attractions: Travellers from across the country journey to Appleby

The revelations came in a survey after this year’s event in June. The responses came from around 100 people who filled in forms available during the show, and who attended forums to discuss it.

Most of those who responded were residents of the local area, although some were from further afield, and are described in the document as ‘self-selecting’ and not representative of all of Appleby.

Respondents used the consultation to complain that visitors were walking down the streets with BB guns and that ‘buggy’ horsewhips were sold.

Others said that people who were drunk were using gardens as toilets, and claimed the event was served by only four portable toilets. One reply said: “I have been coming since I was a child, but this year was too rough and violent. I don’t feel safe walking about with my children.”

Another said: “This is the first time in 15 years we have had human excrement and soiled toilet paper at the end of our drive.”

A further respondent added: “I have been coming to Appleby fair for nine years, and I have never felt so intimidated as this year.” Complaints were also expressed by residents from Brampton and Warcop.

Concerns were raised over the early arrival of travellers to the site and about the nature of what is sold at its markets.

Although many said the event was well policed and with less litter, the site could now receive security cameras, and receive an overhaul of its toilet provision. This year’s week-long event saw a record 40,000 visitors each day. Police made 65 arrests, although officers described the fair as a success.

Kevin Douglas is chief executive of Eden Council and chairman of the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordination Group (MASCG), which co-ordinates the fair.

He said: “The 2008 horse fair was a positive step forward as we develop a safe, secure event for residents, gypsies and travellers. Plans for next year include land owners having to apply for planning permission for areas where caravans are located, which means we will have more formal regulation and enforcement.

“The traffic management plan and clean-up operations that worked well this year will be progressed and the event will have a dedicated website.”

The plans were ratified by Eden Council’s cabinet on Tuesday, and will now go before the full council.