Road closure fees waived for VE Day street parties

The waiving of street party fees applies to residents of residential streets only

Residents planning to celebrate VE Day with a street party in Blackpool will not have to pay road closure fees, the council has said.

The 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe falls on 8 May, but many celebrations are being held over the three days before, over the May Day bank holiday.

National events to mark the occasion include a flypast of Buckingham Palace and a service of remembrance to be held in Westminster Abbey.

In a decision approved by the council's cabinet, the Blackpool authority has agreed to waive all its usual road closure fees - £1,700 for a commercial special event - from Saturday 3 May to Monday 5 May.

VE Day was celebrated across the country on 8 May 1945

The council has asked residents to inform if they do plan a road closure, so emergency services can be told.

The waiving of street party fees applies to residents of residential streets only and does not apply to commercial traders or high street closures.

If alcohol is to be sold, a temporary licence, which costs £21 and covers events of fewer than 500 people, will still be needed, the council said.