TRADING Standards officers are appealing to Appleby Horse Fair traders to ensure their goods are genuine and safe ahead of this year's Fair. 

Counterfeit goods, including counterfeit alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics and branded electrical items, not only infringe registered trademarks, but can also pose a risk to consumers, according to Westmorland and Furness Council’s Trading Standards manager, Catherine Hornby. 

“Last year trading standards officers found some evidence of counterfeit goods at the Fair.

"The issue is small scale, but the risk of serious harm from counterfeit goods such as sunglasses that don’t provide full UV protection, or from untested cosmetics, perfumes and electrical goods are obvious.

"Our message to traders and consumers is that it’s just not worth the risk,” she said. 

This year's annual Appleby Horse Fair, which is over 200 years old, event runs from 6 to 12 June. 

Appleby Fair is unique in Europe and, as well as attracting around 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers, over 30,000 other visitors attend the Fair. 

Catherine also had some advice for any traders wishing to make sure their goods are authentic. “Any trader selling goods bearing a trademarked logo or brand name should try to confirm the items are genuine and can be legally sold. 

“Toys and electrical goods should also be marked with the name and address of the manufacturer, have a serial or model number and carry the UKCA or CE mark, which offers an assurance of authenticity, quality and safety for consumers.”

The public are urged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 if concerned about counterfeit or unsafe goods.

Fair-goers bringing towed caravans to this year’s Appleby Horse Fair have also been reminded of the need to carefully plan their journeys and not arrive too soon.

In a change to previous years, facilities at stopping places in South Lakeland will not be available until the morning of Tuesday, May 28. This includes Devil’s Bridge at Kirkby Lonsdale, Middleton Common, Rawthey Bridge at Cautley, Scrogg Bank at Sedbergh and Hodge Bridge at Barbon.

An updated list of all temporary stopping places is available at www.applebyfair.org