Red tape cut for royal knees up
Bunting, jelly and party hats could be out in force for the royal wedding next month after councils waived the cost of street parties.
Comet country residents are being encouraged to hold parties and fetes in their street when Prince William and Kate Middleton tie the knot on April 29 after Herts County and Central Beds councils cut red tape.
Stuart Pile, executive member for highways at Herts County Hall, said it was a great opportunity to get into the party spirit.
“We want to make it easier for everyone in Herts to get out on to the streets and celebrate, so we’ve set up a simple online application form to make notifying us of your plans quick and easy. What’s more we’re waiving the normal fee for road closures, so there’s nothing stopping you getting together with your neighbours to mark this special day.”
David McVicar, portfolio holder for communities at Central Beds, said the council will be operating an authority-wide traffic order to allow parties to take place, but residents must tell the council when and where the closures will take place.
He added: “In cases where events are planned in roads which send traffic out of residential areas and onto busier highways, organisers will have to apply for permission to be granted separately, with no guarantee that we will be able to close them.”
An eligible street party is defined by Herts County Council as a small event organised by and on behalf of residents of one or two streets, publicised only to locals, with incidental music and no selling involved.
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To host a party in Herts download an application form at www.hertsdirect.org/royalstreetparty to be returned by April 4. Beds residents should call the council highways team on 0300 3008308.
Are you planning on having a right royal party? If so, let us know at editorial@thecomet.net
