HUNDREDS of horses, traders and residents will flock into town as Barnet Horse Fair is set to roll in next week.

The annual event will kick off on Monday September 5 to 7 at Green Gate Stables, in land south of the town off Mays Lane, Barnet.

The historical three-day event is now in its 423rd year, since Queen Elizabeth I granted the Mayor of Barnet a charter to run weekly markets on Monday and a yearly fair, which runs from 9am to 5pm daily.

Resident Philip Wilson, 68 of Hillside Gardens, said: "I support the event as it is adds colour to Barnet's community history.

"It is quite an exciting time, with lots of people coming into our town."

Concerns have been raised in the past, with people worried about the selling of puppies and poultry at previous fairs.

Helen Price, 53 of Chipping Barnet, said: "It's been going on for donkey’s years and I guess people in Barnet have become used to it.

"However as an animal lover I think it's a disgrace that poorly puppies are sold at the event.

"If they treat their puppies like that, it raises the question of how they treat the horses.

"It needs to be stopped."

RSPCA inspectors and welfare officers will inspect the fair to ensure animal cruelty does not take place, with only horses sold at the event.

They will also ensure the horses are treated well and fed.

As the horse fair approaches, pubs along the high street are taking extra precautions to ensure trouble does not erupt.

Ricky and Roz who run The Misty Moon of Barnet High Street, said:"We welcome travellers into our doors with open arms.

We've welcomed them in for three years now and never experienced any trouble.

"They are happy go lucky people and if you treat them with respect and courtesy, you will receive the same back."

The Red Lion, a Toby Carvery pub in Barnet High Street, and The Kings Head, in Barnet High Street, will remain open as usual, ensuring safety measures. However some pubs will close their doors to travellers and admit regulars only.

Luigi Lusardi, manager of Ye old Mitre Inn, in Barnet High Street, said: "Trouble in the past has put us off and we want somewhere where our regulars can come in and have a quiet drink.

"We take responsibility for our regulars, which is our main priority and that’s why we have taken the decision to only let regulars in over those three days."

Barnet Council said it will make sure the highways are kept clear and unnecessary parking along the High street is monitored.