Gypsies and Travellers are being encouraged not to travel to County Durham during lockdown.
Durham County Council usually provides 10 areas across the county as a stopover for those travelling to and from the Appleby Horse Fair.
The areas are also provided for Gypsies and Travellers who travel as part of their culture and lifestyle.
This year, however, the council has decided to not open the Temporary Stop Over Areas (TSOAs) areas to adhere to government guidance on social distancing and following the decision from fair organisers to cancel this year's event.
The TSOAs which are located at Binchester Corner, Westerton layby, Gurney Valley, Tindale Park, Wackerfield layby, Broomielaw picnic area, Stainton Bank, Winston, Corner, Shaw Bank Field and Guide Post Corner, Bowes, will remain closed until further notice.
As such, the council stated that members of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities are encouraged to not to travel to County Durham during the lockdown period.
Owen Cleugh, Durham County Council’s public protection manager, said:
“We know that many Gypsies and Travellers choose to stop in County Durham during May and June as they head to and from Appleby Fair. Usually we support this by providing designated TSOAs with facilities such as toilets and water bowers.
“However, with the cancellation of this year’s fair and the need for us all to abide by social distancing measures, it would not be appropriate for us to encourage groups to gather in the county by opening our usual TSOAs.”
The communities are also being advised that accommodation will not be available at the TSOAs at any point in the near future.
