Shops to shut for visiting horse fair

Rob Latham

07 May 2008

BUSINESSES will be shutting up shop en masse in response to the historic and increasingly troublesome Stow-on-the-Wold Horse Fair next week.
Shops and pubs around the town will close down throughout next week to minimise chances of vandalism on their properties by travellers flocking into the town for the bi-annual event.
John Bate, landlord of the Queen's Head Inn on The Square, said: "In the past there has been trouble in several pubs so we always close, we won't get our regulars in as a result of the fair being here so it's not racist or discriminatory just a safety measure.
"It's unfair because it is tough enough already on pubs at the moment with the smoking ban and raising taxes and having to close the pub twice a year makes it worse."
Other business owners claim the fair gives them a good excuse to close up for a day.
Katherine Pomfret, owner of Miette's Chocolatiers on Sheep Street, said: "We will be shutting for the day because we think it is all about the fair, we open 362 days a year so it's a good excuse for us to shut and have a day off, it's the fair's day.
"I don't think it's about it being a good or bad thing, the fair has been coming here longer than I have so I don't see a problem with closing for it."
But not all businesses see the need to close due to the visiting travellers.
Helen Allen, co-owner of the Old Stocks Hotel on The Square, said despite opening they were wary about who they allowed in.
"We open and man the door, we are just careful about it, that's not to say we don't let any of the travellers in, just usually the youngsters," she said.
"Year after year it seems to get more out of hand and causes more trouble for residents of Stow and the surrounding area."
Gypsies will begin to arrive in Stow from Monday (May 12) for the fair off Maugersbury Lane next Thursday (May 15) and police have reassured locals they will have a visible presence in the town.
A police spokesman said: "The policing of the event will mirror the good practices identified during previous Fairs, while maintaining flexibility and the ability to respond appropriately to information and intelligence gathered before and during the Fair period.
"As in previous years officers will address all incidents of anti social behaviour and disorder that occur and will act to minimise the threatening nature and impact of such behaviour on the visitors to and residents of Stow."

Cigarettes stolen during Post Office delivery»

Four held for alleged possession of a wild bird»

Police crackdown on illegal mini moto riders»

HIPs are a waste of time»

Raise money for Acorns»

Good to see parking laws being properly enforced»

Number of penalty notices is ridiculous»

Editor's Comment»

Bredon succumb to narrow defeat»

Tewkesbury Cricket Club off to flying start»

Young guns steal the show»

Bowling club overpowered by league favourites»

Gloucester Warriors trounce Leicester Phoenix»

Take advantage of cheap tickets until September»

Trader's plea for parking protest»

Marathon runners brave the heat»

Chris runs for African children»

Town shines after big clean-up»

New mayor looks forward to prosperous year»

Talented trio set to shine»