Clock ticking on Queen's jubilee street party applications

STREET party organisers in the New Forest and Christchurch have less than two months to apply for road closures for the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

The majority of celebrations are expected to take part around 5th June and requests must be handed in well ahead of time, writes Trevor Bevins of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

New Forest District Council said documents must be submitted six weeks before events.

BCP Council has set a deadline of 22nd April and is waiving normal road closure fees.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, BCP cabinet member holder for culture, said at a recent meeting that the council was keen to get people in the mood to celebrate the Queen’s 70th anniversary which would culminate on 5th June with “the big lunch”.

She said: “Street parties are a fantastic opportunity to bring people together and say thank you to our neighbours and community after all we have been through over the past two years.

"It can be a small gathering or go the full Monty with trestle tables down the street with a bit of entertainment.

“We are working with a variety of others to encourage everyone to join in.”

She urged all local councillors to take advantage of parks in their areas and get involved with organising events.