River access will reopen to gypsies and travellers at Appleby Horse Fair this afternoon as river levels drop.

Ramp access to the River Eden was closed all day yesterday on safety grounds following heavy rainfall.

Regular monitoring of the river has continued, but the ramp remained closed this morning.

But the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) says it will reopen shortly.

It stressed that the first priority must be public safety.

Factors affecting the decision include depth of the water, speed of the river, temperature of the water and how clear it is.

Matthew Neal, director of corporate Services at Eden District Council and chairman of the MASCG, said the river remained unsafe for people and animals this morning.

However, the picture is improving and it will reopen soon.

He said: "Following our latest multi-agency meeting this afternoon we have found the factors which led to the decision to close the ramp have improved sufficiently to allow for it to be reopened.

"The ramp provides people who wish to enter the river to wash their horses with a safer method of doing so.

"However, all members of the MASCG would stress that there is always a risk to safety when someone chooses to enter the river and anyone making the choice to go into the river does so at their own risk.

"People should also be mindful of the potential for unseen debris below the surface of the water and so are advised to take extra care.

"Finally, I would like to thank everyone for their patience and respecting the advice to stay out of the river."

The RSPCA would like to continue to request people do not bring dogs to the fair.

Dogs must not be locked in cars, particularly with warmer weather today.