Reading Communities Invited to Host Street Parties With No Road Closure Fees

LOCAL communities across Reading are being invited to host their own street parties in September – and Reading Borough Council is again waiving the usual road closure fees

After a difficult winter, the Council is keen to make is as easy as possible for communities across Reading to join in the fun.

Communities interested in hosting a September Street Party are being asked to complete an application form at Street Parties - Reading Borough Council by a deadline of Monday August 2^nd.

Before the Council can give permission for a Street Party event, it needs to be sure the views of neighbours and everyone likely to be affected have been taken into consideration by whoever is planning the event. Event planners can find more advice on throwing a street party on The Street Party website.

Permission will normally be given, without the usual road-closure fees, subject to it not affecting a main through-route or public transport route. Event planners will also need to ensure emergency services can still get access if they need to.

Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said:

“Our invitation to communities to host their own street parties is always popular, which is why we are again choosing to waive the usual street closure fee for those who wish to apply.

“The pandemic meant local Street Parties were not possible last year. However, with the Government recently announcing a lifting of restrictions it has meant the Council is able to move quickly to offer communities this window of opportunity to apply to host a street party in September.

“After such a difficult year for everyone, we hope as many communities will see this as a good chance to get to know their neighbours and submit an application.”

The Council recommend that all Street Party organisers adhere to the latest Government guidance around public events and gatherings whilst organising their events.