Jubilee street parties in boost

Street parties are being lined up across Stafford to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Council bosses revealed today they have been inundated with interest in the celebrations.

Four groups have confirmed plans to hold an event while 12 more have made preliminary contact with Stafford Borough Council.

Chiefs say the level of interest is already greater than for last year's Royal Wedding, months before the jubilee.

A £100 charge for each road closure is being waived by the authority in a move announced by council leader Mike Heenan.

Spokesman Richard Caddy said today: "I think William and Kate last year made people realise they could organise something like this and we have been inundated with interest.

"It is still early and we are expecting many more parties to be planned."

Mayor of Stafford, Councillor Bryan Cross, added: "It's unusual to have a reigning monarch as long as our Queen has been on the throne and it's marvellous we can celebrate her jubilee and she can appreciate the warm feeling there is for her.

"I'm absolutely delighted there has been a lot of interest in street parties. I'm an out and out royalist and I hope as many people as possible enjoy themselves on the day."

A 10-strong committee has been formed to plan festivities in Eccleshall High Street, which will be sealed off between 10am and 3pm on June 3.

Committee member, father-of-two Tim Hulse, said the celebrations would evoke memories of street parties from down the decades. Tables will be laid out along the street while events including a tug of war are among early proposals.

"We don't think it would be appropriate to close the high street on any other day, which is why we've chosen the Sunday," the 43-year-old accountant said.

"We are also planning to do a souvenir programme."

Councillors agreed the introduction of a new £100 fee to cover legal fees when it has to shut a road. The charge came into effect on January 1 but does not apply to jubilee or Olympic celebrations.