DROITWICH residents are being encouraged to party like its 1945 by organising their own street parties to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day in the town.

Normally Wychavon District Council would charge £90 to arrange for a road to be closed for such an event, but to help celebrate the anniversary of VE Day, any events being held over the weekend of May 8-10 will be able to avoid the usual fees involved.

A number of national events have already been arranged to mark the anniversary of VE Day, when the Second World War drew to a close across Europe, with a parade, a service of thanksgiving, and a star-studded concert in London, but residents across the country are being called on to recreate the spirit of VE Day in their communities by holding their own celebrations.

Jack Hegarty, managing director at Wychavon District Council, said: “We’re keen that everyone in Wychavon gets the chance to celebrate this historic occasion. We’re working to make sure that everyone who wants to hold a party can do so as easily as possible, with the minimum of bureaucracy involved.

“It does take time for a road closure to be processed, and we work with emergency services like the police and the fire service to organise them. So to avoid disappointment, we urge you to get your application in as soon as possible.”

It is relatively simple to organise a street party as long as it is only open to residents and neighbours, and alcohol is not due to be sold, and the council is happy to help people through the process of applying for a Temporary Road Closure Notice if one is required.

In order to ensure enough time is allowed to process any paperwork, people are being encouraged to get their applications in by Friday, April 24.

For more information on Temporary Road Closure Notices, or to apply, visit wychavon.gov.uk/temproadclosures or for advice and help on how to complete the form, contact David Hood on 01386 565284 or write to david.hood@wychavon.gov.uk.