With the Appleby Horse Fair just around the corner, caravan owners are being urged to avoid arriving early.

There have been changes to temporary stopping places for the 2024 fair which gets underway on June 6.

Since 2023, Great Asby is no longer an acceptable stop and no facilities will be provided.

People who have previously used the area, or intend to use the greens within Great Asby will need to make alternative stopping arrangements.

Similarly, the Tynewillows stop in Alston will not have a water tap available, meaning travellers should bring their own supply.

Facilities at stops in South Lakeland won't be available until the morning of May 28.

This includes Devil’s Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale, Middleton Common, Rawthey Bridge at Cautley, Scrogg Bank at Sedbergh and Hodge Bridge at Barbon.

An updated list of all temporary stopping places is available at www.applebyfair.org.

Traffic regulation orders prohibiting roadside parking will also be in place at various locations along travelling routes to the fair.

Within the Eden area, roadside camping restrictions will be in place at Sandford Road End between the A66 and the railway bridge, along sections of the A685 between Kirkby Stephen and Brough, and along much of Powis Lane, between the A66 and Long Marton Church.

Billy Welch, a representative of Gypsy, Traveller and Roma and a member of the Multi Agency Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) said: "I am appealing to the Gypsy and Traveller community not to come too close, too soon.

"Early arrivals put a strain on the local community and the local authorities who provide services.

"We all know that the number of stopping places has been shrinking each year, and there are not as many places to stay as there were, so it is important that we show consideration for residents of Appleby and the surrounding towns and villages.

“Please take care on the roads and travel safely.”

Steph Cordon, chair of the Appleby Horse Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Coordinating Group (MASCG) and director of Thriving Communities at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “A priority for all the agencies involved in the response to the Fair is that people and their animals travel as safely as possible to and from the Fair.

“The overriding message is, please do not come to the Fair early.

"Arriving too soon can cause unnecessary disruption for residents and problems on the road network, so we request that people plan-ahead and do not set off sooner than they need to.

"The MASCG is keen to expand the number of stopping places and if any local landowners think they may have suitable land that could be made available, I urge them to call Westmorland and Furness Council’s Environmental Health Team on 0300 373 3300.”