by Sian Napier

snapier@thekmgroup.co.uk

Canterbury – along with Ashford and Swale – has the fewest number of royal wedding street parties planned in Kent.

Just one application for a road closure on April 29 has been received from each of the three districts, compared to seven in the Dover area and 10 in villages around Maidstone.

Figures detailing the number of road closures applied for have been revealed by Kent County Council, which has extended the final date for applications for residential roads to April 15.

However, other parties and celebratory events may be taking place on April 29 in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay which don’t need road closures.

In 1981, when the Prince of Wales married Lady Diana Spencer there were at least 20 street parties in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay, covered by this paper in a double page spread.

The Lord Lieutenant of Kent Allan Willett said: “The royal wedding will provide a welcome morale boost and splash of colour in these difficult times.

“However, it is, of course, entirely up to individuals if they choose to celebrate it or not and whether they hold street parties or prefer to watch it on TV.

“As for myself, it will be a great pleasure and honour to be among those representing our county at the ceremony.”

Despite the lack of enthusiasm for street parties in this district Kent is holding more of them than any other county in the UK, with 54 approved by mid-March compared to second-placed Cambridgeshire with 32.

Bryan Sweetland, Kent County Council cabinet member for environment, highways and waste, said the council had agreed to waive charges for street parties on quiet residential roads and cul-de-sacs.

He said: “We set out to make sure this process was as simple as possible, so that if residents wanted to enjoy the event with their neighbours, then they wouldn’t have to plough through piles of application forms.

“More and more, I would like to see our highways policy governed by three basic key tests, is it safe, is it legal, and is it affordable.”

People wanting to organise street parties can obtain an application form online from the county council website or by calling 08458 247800.

Are you planning an event to mark the wedding? Contact the newsdesk at Gazette House, 5-8 Boorman Way, Estuary View Business Park, Whitstable, CT5 3SE or emailkentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.uk