Temporary Stop Over Areas (TSOAs) are being set up in County Durham ahead of this year’s Appleby Horse Fair.

The fair is taking place from Thursday 4 to Wednesday 10 June, and Durham County Council is establishing TSOAs along roads traditionally used by those heading to and from the fair.

They form part of a partnership approach led by the South West Durham and Dales Residents’, Businesses’, and Travellers’ Forum, which includes representatives from the county council, town and parish councils, Durham Constabulary, local businesses and the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller communities.

A total of eight TSOAs will be in place from Friday 22 May to Thursday 25 June. These will be along traditional travelling routes to Appleby in Teesdale and the wider South West Durham area.

They will be located at:

· Westerton Lay by, DL14 8AL

· Gurney Valley, DL14 8RP

· Broomielaw Picnic Area, DL12 8TT

· Guide Post Corner, Bowes, DL12 9HU

· Land at Stainton Bank, DL12 8RQ

· Shaw Bank Field, DL12 8TD

· Wackerfield Lay by, DL2 3AP

· Winston Corner, DL2 3RW

Officers from the local authority and other agencies will be making regular visits to the TSOAs to provide appropriate support. Those staying in unauthorised encampments will be given advice and support, but will be encouraged to use the TSOAs.

Temporary signs will be in place to indicate the location of TSOAs, as well as signs detailing ‘Guidance for your Stay’ for those who use them.

Cllr Dawn Bellingham, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for communities and civic resilience, said: “These TSOAs are provided every year, and we would encourage people attending Appleby Horse Fair to use them, as they provide a safe and convenient place to stop. We work closely with our partners to ensure that these areas bring benefit to both users, and residents living along the routes.”

People travelling to Appleby will be able to access information about TSOAs on the event website www.applebyfair.org.

Any members of the public wishing to speak to the council’s Gypsy Roma Traveller Service can call 03000 260 000 or email grtservice@durham.gov.uk.