POLICE are using the social networking website Facebook to help keep people up to date about events associated with an annual gathering of Gypsies and travellers.

The traditional migration of Gypsies and members of the travelling community to Appleby Horse Fair, in Cumbria, is under way, with Barnard Castle and the surrounding area a popular stopover point.

To help update people who live in the area and visitors, the Barnard Castle neighbourhood police team has set up a temporary Facebook page, called Teesdale to Appleby 2012, until June 12.

Officers will post regular updates and information, including unfolding events, the opening of the Broomielaw and Shaw Bank stopover sites, which took place yesterday, and other information about civil trespass encampments.

People can also use the page to post information or questions to the neighbourhood policing team.

Inspector Kevin Tuck said: “This journey has gone on since the 1600s and for most travellers it is a long held traditional holiday to meet family and friends at Appleby.

“Some residents welcome the travellers passing through the dale, but others have concerns about the potential for trespass and there can be feelings of unease about an influx of people passing through.

“We’re using Facebook this year to provide a better flow of information to help reduce any tensions which may arise.

“Our past experience has shown that compromise and problem-solving is the most effective way of managing this unfolding community event, for the benefit and safety of everyone involved.”

There are five temporary stopover areas in Teesdale, which are provided with water, portable toilets and rubbish collection, located in Wackerfield, Broomielaw, Shaw Bank, Winston crossroads and Guide Post corner, in Bowes.

Measures are in place to discourage trespass in Winston, Stainton Grove, Staindrop, Deerbolt Bank, Demesnes, Bridgegate, Flaxfield and Harmire Industrial Estate.

Appleby Fair, from June 7 to 13, is the biggest of its kind in the UK and attracts up to 30,000 visitors.