PREPARATIONS are being made across County Durham to accommodate Travellers and Gypsies heading to the 2016 Appleby Horse Fair.

The event has taken place for more than five centuries and this year’s runs from June 2 to 8.

Seven Temporary Stop Over Areas (TSOAs) are being provided through the Teesdale Residents and Travellers Forum in partnership with Durham County Council, local parish councils and Durham Constabulary.

Sergeant Simon Rogers, of Barnard Castle Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “Some residents accept Travellers passing through the dale, but others have concerns about the potential for trespass and there can be feelings of unease about an influx of people passing through.

“Police and our partners will be monitoring the migration and supporting all communities.

“We are using Facebook again this year to provide a better flow of information to help reduce any possible concerns or tensions which may arise.

“In reality this is a diverse community happening and not a police public safety event.

“Our joined up approach means that in recent years we have experienced a relatively small number of incidents related directly to the Travellers.”

Updates will be provided on both the Barnard Castle Police and Appleby Horse Fair, the biggest and best in Europe Facebook pages.

TSOAs for this year’s fair will be available at Wackerfield layby, Barford Corner, Stainton Bank, Broomielaw, Shaw Bank field, and on grassed areas at Winston corner and Bowes corner.

The TSOAs will be open between May 20 and June 17.

Officers from the GRT service and council neighbourhood wardens will make regular visits, as well as visiting any unauthorised encampments.

Anyone wishing to speak to the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Service can call 03000-261000.