Stow Horse Fair goes smoothly (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Stow Horse Fair goes smoothly

6:00pm Friday 26th October 2012 in News By Ian Craig

THE second of this year’s Stow Horse Fairs in Stow-on-the-Wold has been branded a success.

Although hundreds of people flooded the Maugersbury Road site for yesterday’s event, no incidents of disorder were reported and police said the event had a “feel good” nature.

Although Trading Standards officers seized a quantity of counterfeit goods throughout the day, RSPCA officers said there were no significant animal welfare problems.

A cleaning crew from Cotswold District Council were also on hand to clear up glass and rubbish around the town.

The event was a great improvement on the first of this year’s bi-annual fairs in May, which was branded a “disaster” after heavy rain turned the Maugersbury Road site into a muddy bog.

Gloucestershire police Inspector Brian Clifford said he was pleased by how well police had worked with CDC officers and other agencies, along with residents and representatives from the travelling community.

“This partnership working has paid dividends at the fair in previous years and the end result this time was an enjoyable day out for those attending, with no incidents reported at the fair and minimal disruption to the traffic in the town,” he added.

CDC cabinet member for the environment David Fowles (Con, Hampton) echoed his words.

“We will continue to work closely with all these parties in the future to effect further improvements,” he added.