A huge clean up operation has begun in the wake of the annual Appleby Horse Fair that saw 10,000 Travellers descend on Cumbria.
Pictures show fields awash with rubbish left behind in Appleby-in-Westmoreland where more than 1,000 caravans and 3,000 horse-drawn vehicles pitched up.
The Travellers tethered their horses to railings outside pubs and shops on the market town’s main street, The Sun reports. A bulldozer was later brought in to clear piles of plastic, boxes, crates and unwanted furniture that was left behind.
READ MORE: Appleby Horse Fair’s wildest moments as village locks down for Travellers’ arrival
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“Some of the fields look a state at the moment but they will be cleaned up in no time,” a worker told the Mail.
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“It might look a mess, but that’s what you get when you have a gathering of thousands of people.
“I can’t imagine it is different at any music festival.”
The fair originated in the 1770s on Gallows Hill where sheep, cattle and horse dealers went to sell their stock.
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The unofficial event, which is known as the biggest traditional Gypsy Fair in Europe, garners thousands of visitors each year — and has existed under the protection of a charter granted by James II since 1685.
But the “Wild West” event has divided locals, with many saying they felt “unsafe” during the weekend.
Many local businesses make the decision to shut for the event, while others prefer to ride headfirst into celebrations.
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Last week, the RSPCA released CCTV footage of a man they believe is responsible for working a horse to death at the infamous event.
The horse was allegedly “worked until he dropped”, sparking outrage amongst fellow travellers and animal lovers, who have both condemned the “inexcusable act of cruelty”.
Gypsy representatives Billy Welch and Bill Lloyd also slammed the cruel act, saying they were “sickened and saddened” to have heard the news. They said they are “fully supportive” of the RSPCA’s efforts to improve horse welfare and said such an incident hasn’t occurred before.
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Meanwhile life is returning to normal in the town as the clean up operation goes on.
A survey last year of 500 locals found that 93% think their taxpayer money shouldn’t be used for policing the event and the subsequent clean-up.
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