By Hayley Robinson

The controversial Kent Horse and Auction Fair is due to take place in Iwade this weekend.

The two-day event will be held at Raspberry Hill Farm, in Raspberry Lane.

Residents only discovered the event was due to take place after details were spotted on the Travellers’ Times website and spread via word of mouth.

Fears were raised over how many people would attend the event, the effect it would have on the roads and the potential mess that could be left behind.

The annual Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria attracts travellers from all over the British Isles and sees the town of 3,000 people occupied by 45,000 on the main days of the week-long event.

Representatives from Kent Police, Swale council and Kent County Council recently met with the organisers to establish the scale of the event and what activities will be taking place on the day.

Swale police borough commander Ch Insp Tony Henley says there are no plans to close any roads over the weekend.

He said: "On the day we will have the dedicated resources available to be in a position to resolve any problems if they do happen without impacting on local policing resources."