Residents finally entering into party spirit for Royal wedding

The number of road closure applications across England and Wales has topped 5,500 – up from 4,000 three weeks ago – with less than a week to go until Prince William and Kate Middleton marry at Westminster Abbey,

Most of those requests have already been approved, or soon will be.

However, people in Yorkshire appear to be less keen to hang out the bunting than those in other areas of the country.

While London’s boroughs alone have now dealt with more than 800 applications for road closures, and there are set to be 90 street parties in Lancashire and 85 in Kent, just 31 applications have been submitted in Sheffield, apparently the most patriotic city in the region.

In North Yorkshire, which waived the fee for road closure applications, there have been 30 requests, while there were 21 in Leeds, 15 in Calderdale, 13 in Rotherham, 11 in both York and Kirklees and five in Hull.

Just four people in Bradford and two people in Barnsley are planning to host a street party, and in Doncaster there have been no requests at all.

Despite this, councils say they are aware of thousands of other street parties at the end of cul-de-sacs, on pavements or in driveways which haven’t needed official permission, meaning the total number will be much higher.

On top of these, there will be celebrations in gardens, pubs and parks, such as Wentworth Castle Gardens in Barnsley which will be putting up a big screen so people can watch the wedding from the Grade One-listed grounds.

Coun Chris White, chairman of the Local Government Association’s culture, tourism and sport programme board, said: “Councils across the country have pulled out all the stops to make organising Royal wedding street parties as easy as possible.

“The occasion has really enthused residents in some areas and it’s been no easy task for council staff to manage all the differing requests, but it’s work they’re more than happy to do.

“Bringing communities together in these tough times can only be a good thing, and it’s something councils see as one of their key roles.

“Many councils have waived road closure and insurance fees where possible, and others have given out grants to support communities in marking the special occasion.

“Some have also put together party packs for organisers, including free bunting and flags, others are delivering and collecting road closure signs for organisers, and some are even laying on special rubbish collections.”

Coun White added, however, that some authorities had been accused of being “overly bureaucratic.”

He said: “Many of these criticisms have come direct from Government ministers, and the vast majority have been totally erroneous and ill-founded.

“It’s testament to councils’ positive approach that so far they have dealt with about 5,500 road closure applications as well as numerous other street party requests where they have taken a very light touch approach, simply offering guidance when requested.

“Common sense has usually prevailed with amicable solutions found where possible.

“It’s fantastic that April 29 looks set to be a great day with people everywhere coming together to enjoy a good knees-up.”