FED-UP councillors have taken action to stop the abuse of a welcoming facility for travellers in their Eden village, reports James Williamson.

Representatives from Melmerby and Ousby Parish Council met MP for Penrith and the Border David Maclean to solve the problems created by what they say is an overpopulation of travellers on their village green.

Councillors insisted that that a small number of traditional travellers with horse drawn vehicles were welcome on the green for a few nights in the run-up to Appleby Fair. However, they said that hundreds of giant caravans and 4x4 vehicles had flocked to the green and camped there for several weeks during the last two years' events.

Mr Maclean said that he was delighted to discuss what could be done to control the problem more closely in the future.

He said he had contacted Chief Superintendent Andy Davidson, of Cumbria Police, and received assurances from him that Melmerby would see a similar police presence to the one provided in previous years.

Council vice chair Irene Herety said that a letter would also be published in local media and in the Traveller's Post newsletter to highlight the problem.

This year's Appleby Fair is scheduled to run from Thursday, June 7, to Wednesday, June 13.