Road closure fees waived for VE Day street parties

Road closure fees are being waived in part of Staffordshire to encourage people to host street parties to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two.

Residents and organisations in Stafford borough are also being urged to apply to The National Lottery Community Fund to help them put on the events.

The local authority said the move had proved popular during previous national celebrations such as the coronation of King Charles III and the platinum jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

People requesting a road closure for an event must do so at least four weeks before the event, the council said.

With VE Day falling on 8 May, Stafford Borough Council said it would not charge its usual administration costs for closing roads on the Bank Holiday weekend (3-5 May) or the following weekend (10-11 May).

"We know how much our communities respect and appreciate the sacrifices made, both at home and abroad, to protect the freedoms that we enjoy today," said council leader Aidan Godfrey.

"Many will want to pay their own tributes - and I want to help remove some of the costs and administration that may be a barrier to them commemorating these important dates with family, friends and neighbours."

The council recently organised a light and sound show, projected on to the Shire Hall building in Stafford, to highlight the sacrifices made in the two world wars.

In addition, several historic venues in the borough will be staging commemorative events.

A VE Day themed children's workshop is taking place at the Ancient High House in the county town, and an exhibition in early May will share stories about the lives of local people through historical artefacts and medals.

Izaak Walton Cottage will be holding a traditional afternoon tea, set against the backdrop of wartime music on 4 May, and Stafford Castle will be lit up red, white and blue on the evening of VE Day while the Gatehouse Theatre will hold a classic war film that afternoon.

A service is also being planned for 21 June at St Mary's Church in Stafford.

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