'Cut horse fair numbers to protect village'

Residents' fears over crime

- By Charlie Fenton

ANXIOUS residents have drawn up battle plans to protect their homes from hundreds of travellers set to pass through their village as they head to the Appleby Horse Fair.

People in Gargrave have complained in recent years of a spike in crime and anti-social behaviour with human excrement found in bushes, trees hacked down and scorch marks on the village greens.

Last year more than 60 pick-up trucks and horse-drawn “bow top” caravans descended on the Yorkshire Dales village, many with loud generators running through the night, and horse races being held.