Street party stopped (From Penarth Times)

Street party stopped

FRUSTRATED Penarth residents hoping to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee have had their plans foiled by the Vale Council.

The Catkin Drive home-owners wanted to throw a party to mark the June event, but when they made inquiries the authority told them an insurance premium of up to £800 would have to be paid.

Grandmother Christine Watts, 50, was fully prepared to organise the party herself.

But despite having no problems arranging celebrations for the Silver Jubilee, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana and VE Day, she found the Golden Jubilee was just too difficult.

She said: "30 children and grandchildren would have come. It would have been an opportunity for us to get together.

"We would have taken tables out and brought food. There are 50 houses here but there wouldn't have been a problem, everyone would want to do it."

However, she said: "The council said they were prepared to pay for road closures but said organisers would be liable for insurance in case of accidents. They thought it would be well in excess of £300, even £800.

"I'm not in a position financially to do that, none of us are, so consequently we're not doing anything. If it wasn't for insurance we would have done something."

She said: "We didn't have to have it last time. I remember phoning the council and asking if the street could be closed and we were told to put a sign at the bottom of the drive."

She added: "Things like this are so important to get people together. I've just accepted it now. I haven't got masses of time but I would have done it."

A council spokesman said: "A panel has been set up especially for the Golden Jubilee. Tonight they will discuss celebrations. Arrangements for insurance cover will be one of the issues being discussed."