POLICE made just seven arrests at what was one of the busiest Appleby Horse Fairs in recent years.

Crime and disorder was comparatively low, despite increased numbers, a spokesman said.

The high turnout saw up to 1,200 caravans descend on the town compared with about 990 last year.

A 'multi-agency strategic co-ordinating group (MASCG), a partnership including Cumbria Police, Eden Council the RSPCA and the Gypsy and Traveller community, aims to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Superintendent Mark Pannone said: “Despite the numbers, crime and disorder has remained comparatively low and I thank the majority of visitors for their behaviour.

“We plan all year round and will learn lessons from this year’s event, particularly regarding some of the strain that was felt by surrounding towns and villages in the days leading up to the fair."

Two people were arrested for bring drunk and disorderly, one for drink-driving, one for a public order offence and one for a breach of the peace. Another person was arrested for breaching a court order and the last was for a fail to appear offence.

Former top cop Mick Gradwell last week linked the recent criminal damage caused by a group at Thwaites Brewery in Blackburn to the fair.

He said: “It is another appalling incident with travellers when they turn up en masse and leave a trail of devastation behind them.

“It is a problem that affects the country nationally and there doesn’t appear to be an answer in this day and age to try and sort it out.

“Compared to previous decades, a much softer stance was taken at Thwaites. I can understand that it was a resource-intensive issue and it is almost as if they want to push the problem elsewhere.

“And that is the problem nationally. At this time of year, a lot of travellers are on their way to Appleby Fair and it’s common knowledge that criminal elements of the traveller community go on a spree.

“I’ve seen instances of metal garden gates being stolen and one year all the tack and saddles of the Lancashire mounted department was stolen and ended up at Appleby Fair."

Meetings were held throughout the fair to ensure agencies were aware of any issues and feedback received was generally positive.

MASCG chairman Matthew Neal said: “This has been one of the busiest fairs we have seen in recent years, thanks in no small part to the warm weather we have had throughout.

"In relation to concerns that have been raised by communities, their concerns have been heard.

"Residents' concerns will be at the forefront of our minds during the review of the 2018 fair which will inform the planning to prevent repeat occurrences for next year."

Gypsy and Traveller representative Billy Welch, said: "I’m delighted with how this year’s fair has gone.

"The weather has been very good for the most part and, as usual, the fair has been a great opportunity for families who only see each other once a year to meet up.

“People I have spoken to are saying it has been one of the best fairs ever. Being a member of the multi-agency group, I hope this fair will be the bench-mark for what future fairs should be."