MORE resources and increased officer numbers are being deployed by Cumbria Police to help keep people safe at Appleby Horse Fair.

The Police Gold Commander for the fair is assuring the public ahead of the start of the event.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Rob O’Connor spoke at a public meeting in Appleby last week (May 8) where he outlined many of the changes which have been made following feedback received during the last fair.

Mr O’Connor said: “Last year the police did receive criticism relating to what we refer to as ‘Phase One’ – the ingress to the fair. The criticism specifically related to how we policed the Kirkby Lonsdale, Sedbergh and Kirkby Stephen areas in the weeks and days prior to the fair.

“Following that criticism I have attended meetings in all of these areas to listen to concerns. I can assure the public the comments people made have been heard and have greatly impacted the way we are planning and resourcing ahead of this year’s fair.”

Following the 2018 fair a review was ordered by the Police and Crime Commissioner, which resulted in eight suggested adjustments. These included reviewing the resourcing of the fair based on previous years and incoming intelligence, enhanced staffing for 101 calls during the fair and a nominated chief officer overseeing the operation.

Drop-in sessions are to be held in the following stations daily between 10am and 11am: Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, Alston Market Square, Brough outside Swanson House, Main Street in Brough.

Sessions will also be held online.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Webster has been nominated as the chief officer overseeing the policing of the fair.

More CCTV cameras have also been installed by the force.