‘Killjoy councils’ ruin plans for Coronation street parties

LOCAL councils have been accused of being killjoys after making a series of demands that threaten to ruin Coronation street parties for tens of thousands of people.

In many areas, the rules include the need for every resident on every street holding an event to sign a form, stating whether or not they approve of the planned party.

Officials are also scaring residents off from holding celebrations by demanding public liability insurance – which the Government says is not necessary – as well as making them pay for workmen to erect ‘Road Closed’ signs.

Meanwhile, some councils, such as Bexley in South-East London, quietly set January deadlines for applications to stage an event between May 6 and 8. Others, including the Isle of Wight and Windsor and Maidenhead, shut off applications in February and many more in mid-March.

Last night Sarah Rich, from Loughton in Essex, who has arranged street parties for the late Queen’s Golden, Diamond and Platinum jubilees and is planning another for the Coronation, said: ‘It’s ridiculous that councils are shutting applications so early.

‘Many streets haven’t had the chance to meet and think about parties – and now it’s too late. Why do councils need months to read an application form?

‘Everyone should be celebrating the Coronation, but extra rules stop neighbourhoods getting together.’