It is still unclear whether Brigg Horse Fair 2020 - scheduled date Wednesday, August 5 - will go ahead. Brigg Blog has requested updates to try and clarify the position.
Some time ago the authorities suggested that the fair should be cancelled during the Coronavirus emergency in which restrictions, allied to social distancing, apply on sizeable gatherings.
However, many people have arrived in Brigg over recent days and parked vehicles on, and near, the traditional site close to the railway station.
This has left local residents wondering whether the fair will go ahead after all, with horses being bought and sold as they have been for decades.
Many horses have been brought into the town - some pulling buggies along the A18 or being tethered outside pubs over the weekend and again yesterday (Monday).
The land near the station which forms the traditional site for the fair belongs to North Lincolnshire Council, and many caravans are currently parked there and on Station Road near the Hewson House offices.
In reply to our request, Humberside Police has sent us the following statement...
Chief Inspector Paul French said: “Brigg Horse Fair is a long-established event attended by Gypsy and Traveller communities.
“Unlike other events in the horse fair calendar, Brigg has no formal organisers who can call off the event, and we are aware that a number of travellers have already arrived in the area.
“As always, our teams are engaging with both the travelling community and with the residents and business owners in Brigg to offer reassurance to all and we will continue to do so.
“Our teams are in the area, dealing with all reports of crime and antisocial behaviour as normal, and I would encourage anyone with concerns to come and speak to us.
“We understand there is concern amongst local communities about the risks associated with the spread of Covid-19 and we ask the people work with us at this challenging time to protect public health.
“Our approach continues to be to engage, explain and encourage people to adhere to the guidelines that are in place to keep us all safe and would remind people to observe social distancing to prevent any risk to themselves or others.”
Police have been evident in the town centre in vans, cars and on foot, undertaking patrols.
A North Lincolnshire Council's statement is anticipate...