Bill to shut street for Jubilee party

It will cost £700 for the diversion signs

Residents planning a Golden Jubilee street party have been presented with a bill of £855 to close their road.

Swindon Borough Council had said it would waive the £50 administration fee for road closures during the celebrations.

But it says Ermin Street, in Stratton St Margaret, is so busy it will have to set up diversions which must be paid for by the applicant.

Julie Burrows and Carol Hunter, who are organising the party, say they are determined the event will go ahead and will now try to raise the money.

They should have put money aside to help the community celebrate this event - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity

Carol Hunter, party organiser

Jemima Milton, the Conservative lead member for transport and environment at Swindon Borough Council, said:

"It's brilliant that people are prepared to organise this type of event.

"But can't waive the fee - we don't have a budget to waive it."

The charge is broken down into £155 to have the road diverted and £700 for street signs.

Ms Milton said the council had a responsibility to ensure a road as large and busy as Ermin Street was properly signed.

"What's planned in is an enormous party. It needs to be properly signed and looked at carefully.

"Local councillors have been looking into the fees and why they are so expensive.

"It's not just a case of the signs costing £700.

"Those signs have to be put out and taken back in on a bank holiday and the street has to be checked for any hazards.

Buckingham Palace

Ms Hunter said the council should have planned ahead for the Jubilee.

"They should have put money aside to help the community celebrate this event - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"We want the council to say 'we support this community event and we'll waive those charges'."

She says they now plant to write to Buckingham Palace about their plight.