A SURVEY has collected local opinions regarding the Appleby Horse Fair, with 85 per cent of respondents saying the Fair 'impacts their life negatively'. 

The survey, which has been set up by Appleby Fair Communities Group, claims to reflect the feeling of the community and of the Fair's 'organisers' ahead of this year's annual meet, which will run from June 8 - 14. 

Of the 540 people sampled, 424 were residents within Appleby or the surrounding area; 19 were business owners; 84 were both residents and business owners; and 13 were visitors.

The group's report states that only seven per cent of businesses said the event increases overall profits, 93 per cent believe that it should not be funded by the tax payer, and 89 per cent of participants feel more concerned for personal safety during Appleby Fair. 

In addition, 53 per cent of business owners also said they shut up shop during the Fair, according to the group. 

It also states that residents 'would support a smaller, safer, organised, less commercialised event', going back to more traditional routes. 

Criticisms are also aimed at the Multi-Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) for failing to 'successfully make the event safer' for all. 

Chaired by Westmorland & Furness Council, MASCG is a combined effort involving representatives of various agencies including the Gypsy and Traveller community to collaborate in preparation for events.

READ MORE: Travellers raise funds to improve sanitary conditions at horse fair

Despite the criticism of MASCG, there was a 38 per cent rise in arrests at last year's Appleby Horse Fair due to a 'step-up in proactive' enforcement by Cumbria Police. 

A spokesperson for MASCG emphasised that the Fair has no 'formal organiser'.

"Appleby Horse Fair is a unique historical and cultural occurrence with a necessarily unique approach to how relevant communities and agencies respond to it," they said. 

"Local authorities including local councils, the police, highways, North West Ambulance Service, the RSPCA and more, are committed to working to make this occurrence as safe as we can for all involved.

"MASCG does not organise the Fair.

"Its principal objective is the preparation, delivery and co-ordination of a multi-agency operational plan to support a safe and enjoyable Fair.

"At its core, the MASCG serves a simple purpose – rather than all of the agencies working alone as individuals in response to the Fair, the MASCG brings these agencies together to work in co-ordination with one another to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of each agency.

"The first priority of all agencies working within the MASCG is public safety.

"The meeting minutes of the MASCG are published online and the meeting is also attended by local elected councillors who represent local people, as well as representatives of the Gypsy and Traveller community.

"A consultation regarding the future for the Appleby Horse Fair is currently ongoing, which will look at a number of areas raised within the survey including whether there is the potential for the Fair to be a ticketed event in future," they said.