Dursley News

Gloucestershire County Council waives road closure fees for Diamond Jubilee celebrations

By Liza-Jane Gillespie

2:20pm Friday 27th January 2012

REVELLERS wanting to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee or the Olympics are being given a helping hand from Gloucestershire County Council.

The authority has said it will waive the £75 fee for applying for a road closure for celebrations held to mark the two events.

It is expected that thousands of people will hold street parties between June 2 and 5 to mark Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years on the throne.

The council originally took this stance in April 2011 when Prince William married Kate Middleton. It resulted in around 90 road closures being granted for parties to take place all across the county.

Cllr Will Windsor Clive, cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: "We were overwhelmed and delighted by the reaction from Gloucestershire’s residents to the Royal Wedding celebrations and we were keen to play our part in helping people celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee in style too.

"Occasions like this and the Olympics are great for building community spirit so we’ve made this gesture to ensure everyone in Gloucestershire can get out and celebrate with their friends and neighbours if they want to."

Gloucestershire County Council still needs the normal 12 weeks notice if a road closure is requested in order to sort out diversions for traffic.

Applications need to be in by April 30 at latest for both Jubilee and Olympic celebrations.

However, the council has warned requests for road closure on major routes such as the A38 or A46 may not be possible.

Lawrence Elcocks, the council’s network and traffic manager, said: "We understand that people may want to hold street parties, and on the whole any applications we receive will be approved.

"But it is important that people are sensible about the locations they choose."

To apply for a road closure, email streetworks@gloucestershire.gov.uk or write to Streetworks Team, Gloucestershire County Council, Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2TH.

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