A travellers’ horse fair planned for the weekend has been cancelled amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

The event had been proposed to take place at Dalebrook Farm off Clickers Way on the edge of Earl Shilton on Saturday and it was anticipated it could attract hundreds of people from across the country.

However, despite the easing of lockdown mass gatherings are still not permitted and villagers raised concerns with the police and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

As well as the public health implications some people were worried that there might be highway safety issues.

Other traveller horse fairs, including the famous Appleby Fair in Cumbria, have been cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic but Takker Stubley, who was organising the Earl Shilton event, was proposing it went ahead this weekend.

However Leicestershire Police has told LeicestershireLive officers have spoken to Mr Stubley and the event has been called off.

A video posted on Facebook on Monday showed a police officer telling Mr Stubley: “It can’t be allowed to go ahead. You can’t allow it to go ahead.”

Mr Stubley said: “I apologise to all the lads.

“They won’t let me have it on.

“There would be no problem whatsoever - I was looking forward to it to try to get a quid myself.

“The police is here now, the sergeant, and they are getting involved now with the Government and the Home Secretary himself.

“I can’t allow it to go on. I apologise”

A police spokeswoman said: “We were made aware of an event planned in the Earl Shilton area for 6 June.

"Following concerns raised regarding the event, and following liaison with Hinckley and Bosworth council, officers have spoken with the event organiser in relation to these concerns.

“The event organiser has been fully involved in these discussions with us and has since made the decision to cancel the planned event.

Earl Shilton ward councillor Richard Allen said he was pleased the event had been called off.

He said: “A lot of residents were concerned about the public health issues so I’m glad the organiser has cancelled.

“It would have been the same if it were a gathering of bikers or a rave.

“It just would not be safe.

“Credit to the residents who have been clear about their concerns, credit to the council and the police for getting to this point and solution and of course credit to Mr Stubley who has made the right decision.

“I hope people listen to what he has said and do not come.”

It is understood a contingency plan is being put in place should people still come despite the events cancellation.”