Moving Towards a Fair Deal for Stow

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Cotswold Blog

The Cotswold Blog is a collection of diary entries, news, gossip and other Cotswold related information.

Moving Towards a Fair Deal for Stow

Local community leaders, representatives of the police and Cotswold District Council are encouraged by the recent improvements in the running of the twice-yearly Gypsy Gathering known as Stow Fair, and are working together to continue this upward trend.

Representatives from Cotswold District Council, Gloucestershire Constabulary, and the Stow and Maugersbury Action Group (SMAG) met recently to review arrangements linked to the running of the bi-annual Gypsy Gatherings at Stow. They noted a decrease in problems, following the introduction of a number of improvements in parking management, cleanliness, and policing, and vowed to maintain this upward curve as part of a continuous review process.

Chief Superintendent for the Cotswolds and Stroud, Gary Thompson, said; "We have stopped indiscriminate parking along Maugersbury Road and there were fewer reports of anti social behaviour at either of the events in 2009.

"Through our partnership working with both Cotswold District Council and representatives from SMAG, we believe that overall the event itself ran smoothly.

"Our aim is to continue to provide a policing presence which is proportionate and appropriate to the fair and we will continue working with the local council, listening to the views of SMAG and the owners of the field on which the Gatherings are held so that we can build on the progress that has already been made, and ensure that the local community is subjected to the minimum amount of disruption."

Barry Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Housing & Communities at Cotswold District Council, added: "Effective policing and regularised control of this event is paramount, and the provision of portaloos also created a much more hygienic environment. We will be exploring a range of issues in the coming weeks to make sure we build on these improvements."

Graham Golby, Chairman of SMAG, commented: "We accept that the year on year improvement in managing the event has had positive results, but we want this improvement to continue. The next milestone is to achieve a three-day Gathering, which will reduce the disturbance, fouling and the loss of income experienced by the town�s businesses."


Posted : 25/02/2010 17:00:22

PLEASE NOTE: This story has been archived and the information contained within it may no longer be correct.


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