A minister has told “killjoy” councils not to ban Platinum Jubilee street parties just because applications are late.
Revellers wanting to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign with neighbours have been warned against hosting unauthorised street celebrations.
A special permit is needed to close local roads to celebrate the jubilee. The deadline to apply for most councils was at the end of April.
Millions of people are expected to attend street gatherings over the four-day weekend, but UK local authorities have only approved 16,000 official applications to close roads for parties.
Technology minister and Croydon South MP Chris Philp, on Monday, said town halls should “show a bit of of flexibility and pragmatism in support of Her Majesty”.
“I think it is fantastic we are celebrating the Queen’s jubilee,” he told Sky News.
“I would say to local councils across the country, including my own in Croydon, if you do get a late application–and maybe the deadline has technically passed–just show a little bit of flexibility.
“Show a little bit of willingness to accommodate people and, if you are at all able to, please do accommodate these requests even if they are made technically after the deadline.”
A number of revellers have complained town halls have put in place too many rules for those applying, including advice against hanging bunting up in streets between electrical poles because of fears it could damage vehicles.
One council in Hertfordshire asked an organiser to fill in 23 pages of forms, including the outline of a counter-terror plan, before the street gathering could be approved.
Tory MP Johnny Mercer said “street parties should be allowed to go ahead” and added “killjoys” should not be allowed to “spoil the jubilee”.
