Pubs have been given advice but have not been told to close ahead of Wellingborough horse fair, police confirm

The force is also ready to put a number of extra officers on duty if more than the expected 150 people are in attendance
The site of the horse fair between Wollaston and Great Doddington.The site of the horse fair between Wollaston and Great Doddington.
The site of the horse fair between Wollaston and Great Doddington.

A number of pubs in the area surrounding the site of the Wellingborough horse fair have announced a temporary closure to cover this bank holiday weekend, but police have confirmed they were not ordered to do so.

Pubs and other businesses in Great Doddington and Wollaston, as well as further afield in the Eastern District of Northampton, have decided to close ahead of the unlicensed horse fair.

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Northamptonshire Police has confirmed that, although representatives did talk to business owners to offer advice, the decision to close 'rests entirely with the landlord'.

Superintendent Adam Ward, from Northamptonshire Police, said: “Officers have been liaising with the local business community, including pub landlords, to explain the event plans as we understand them, and provide general advice and reassurance to address any concerns they may have about the event this weekend.

“We have not advised any landlords, or any other business owners to close.

"We have given advice relevant to each business, including advice to publicans of their right to refuse service or to request a person to leave.

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"Any decision to close any business rests entirely with the individual landlord, owner or manager."

One landlord who has decided to close said the safety of their staff was 'paramount' and they do not want any trouble, despite having already lost out on thousands of pounds during the pandemic closure.

The event that has an advertised venue of Hardwater Road between Wollaston and Great Doddington is, according to police, expected to attract around 150 people.

However, many business owners and local residents are hearing, by word of mouth, that there could be thousands of people in attendance. Police say they will be prepared if more people turn up than expected.

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Superintendent Adam Ward added: “We are aware of rumours suggesting that thousands of people will attend this horse fair - our current understanding is that this event will be attended by around 150 people and will take place in a privately owned, 10-acre field in a rural area.

"If this changes, we will review our approach and have a sizeable number of extra officers on duty to deter crime and respond swiftly to address criminality where necessary, including any problems experienced in licensed premises.

“Anyone who has any questions or concerns with regard to the horse fair and the operation of their business can contact the licensing team or local neighbourhood officers by calling 101, quoting Operation Bailey.

“Officers will respond to deter and deal with any offending throughout the weekend in a swift, effective and proportionate manner."

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Northamptonshire Police is asking for any incidents to be reported on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story had the figure of 750 in the headline. This figure was referring to the estimate from police which is, in fact, 150 as quoted in the story.