ANYONE planning to hold a street party in Leigh to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee is being urged to apply for permission from the council in advance.

With an extended Bank Holiday weekend scheduled for June 1-4, it's likely many communities will already be thinking about a royal celebration.

However, residents are being reminded they need to permission from the council to allow the necessary legal road closures to be made.

So far just a handful of applications have been received, but if the Silver Jubilee celebrations of 1977 are anything to go by, many more may be in the pipeline.

All applications must be received by March 31 and be considered by the police, fire, ambulance and public transport authorities before approval is given.

Party organisers will be asked to sign-up to a number of conditions and guidelines intended to ensure that parties are held safely and without disturbance to neighbours. These include agreeing to put up highly visible fencing and diversion signs, and ensuring that bunting and streamers are high enough not to be torn down by passing vehicles.

Peter Taylor, director of engineering services for Wigan Council, said: "The council is keen to encourage the celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee but it is important that the organisers of street parties know how to make the necessary arrangements for a successful and safe party."