A Horse fair is expected to bring between 300 and 500 gypsies to Broomhill tomorrow on the disused Cat Hill Road.

Two police officers mounted on horses will be on han tomorrow, after concerns were raised that there would be trouble.

The traditional event, previously held in Wombwell town centre, is where the distinctive gypsy breed of ponies are traded.

Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for environmental services, has hit back at comments made last week by Darfield Independent member Coun David Wainwright, about the council's decision to allow “tolerated access” to the disused road. Coun Miller said: “I totally refute the allegation made by the Darfield member that this issue has been dumped on the Darfield area. The members were fully consulted and attended various discussions.

“I cynically believe that the member is trying to use the horse fair issue as an electioneering tool.

“I have been in discussion with Darfield residents who are unhappy but they understand the position the council have taken.”

The gypsies say the fair will be trouble free and attended by travellers from all over the country. They also say they have their own toilet facilities, skips and clean up crews and the site will be left in the state in which it was found. But concerns have been raised that there will be trouble. One Wombwell business man said: “I am concerned that Wombwell will be overrun this weekend. The fair has caused problems here before. I know it is in Broomhill, but I expect they will come to Wombwell for its amenities.”