A gypsy family has thanked neighbours for their understanding as hundreds of mourners descend on Ewell and worried pubs shut up shop.

The body of Sylvie Smith, a well loved member of the gypsy community, was taken home to Shire Court, Shortcroft Road, Ewell, yesterday morning.

UPDATE: 10 facts you may not know about Gypsy funerals

A tent has been erected for family members paying their respects, a fire is burning in a skip outside and the authorities have been informed to minimise disruption.

In a letter to neighbours, the family said: “We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause but as a family appreciate your assistance during our bereavement.”

Mrs Smith died on January 28 and her funeral service will be held at Christ Church Epsom Common at noon tomorrow, followed by a ceremony at Epsom Cemetery.

Brian Angus, chairman of Ewell Village Residents’ Association, said: “About 60 members of the travelling community gathered to see the lady’s body returned to the house yesterday.

“It was in a very large, elaborate coffin. Vehicle access was maintained throughout, it was a quiet and dignified affair.”

He said he had received concerns from neighbours about access but these proved unfounded, adding: “Some claims are exaggerated. Perhaps others are as well.”

An employee at the Toby Carvery in Ewell said they will possibly reopen on Friday following police advice and concerns that 800 to 1,000 people are expected in town.

This afternoon he said: “We’re closing now. It’s just from the licensing officer that was in touch with us. It’s always the best in these situations.”

However, a barman at the Marquis of Granby in Epsom said the pub had not received advice, adding: “We are aware of it. We don’t know what is going to happen so we are staying open as normal.”

Councillor Clive Woodbridge, who represents Ewell on Epsom Council, said: “We have to respect everybody’s traditions and the way they wish to respect their deceased family members.

“Equally we have to have a balance and make sure people who live in the area are not inconvenienced to a great extent.”

Councillor Pamela Bradley, who lives in Ewell, said residents raised concerns about traffic and she was surprised to hear pubs were closed.

Coun Bradley said: “You would have thought they would want to be open longer with people all around. I don’t understand it.”

A manager at Bill’s restaurant in Epsom said she had been warned about the funeral by other businesses who said police had told them to close.

But when she rang the police switchboard, they said that had not heard anything and there had been no violent incidents.

She said: “We are taking precautions. I was instructed by my manager if we see a big group of people who look like they could be trouble that we had permission to close.

“I did lock the door at one point. I think it was a lot of speculation.”

A police spokesman said: "Surrey Police has been made aware of a traveller funeral taking place in Epsom tomorrow.

"Officers have advised local publicans to expect a large number of extra people in the area as a result, but have not told licenced premises to close."