The leader of the Gypsy and travelling community has slammed the idea that roads in Appleby could ban access to horse-drawn vehicles.

A tradition steeped in history could have a turbulent future as Cumbria County Council has proposed an order banning motor vehicles, horse-drawn vehicles and ridden or accompanied horses in Appleby.

The changes mean that between April 30 and June 30 Castle bank, Bridge Street and The Sands will be have a prohibition order placed on them

Appleby Horse fair was cancelled last year for only the second time in its history (the first was the 2001 foot and mouth crisis). But leader of the travelling community Billy Welch hopes that most people will have been vaccinated by then, especially the most vulnerable.

The June fair is the largest gathering in the county and can attract more than 10,000 visitors over its four days, being one of the most colourful events held in the region each year.

Keeping the event under control requires significant resources to make sure it is both safe and successful for visitors and locals.

The county council's reasoning for the changes is to avoid danger to people or other traffic using the roads or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising, or "for preventing the use of the road by vehicular traffic of a kind which, or in a manner which, is unsuitable having regard to the existing character of the road or adjoining property".

The changes would mean that those attending the fair would not be able to access the area where they have traditionally taken their horses.

Billy Welch, known as the Shera Rom or Head Gypsy, has been involved with the fair all his life and made a promise to his father to preserve it. He has spent more than 20 years trying to make the fair the best it can be.

He said: “We don’t know if the fair will go ahead this year but for the council to put something like this in place for the time before and after the fair is pure stupidity. It’s just not going to happen, it’s foolishness.

“We will camp on the A66 and block the road if they do.”

Explaining that there is a Appleby New Fair Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordination Group meeting planned to discuss the fair and what the plans are. He hopes they will be able to to still have the fair in some form.

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: “At the moment the changes are out for consultation. If anyone has comment to make they’re invited to contact Kim Baxter by February 28.”

Anyone wishing to make representations should email kim.baxter@cumbria.gov.uk, by Sunday, marking your correspondence with KB/4.4.1041/15.001555.