Grants of £500 on offer for VE Day street parties

Communities are being encouraged to take up an offer of free road closures and £500 grants for VE Day street parties.

The 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Europe falls on 8 May, with national events to mark the occasion including a flypast of Buckingham Palace and a service of remembrance to be held in Westminster Abbey.

Ribble Valley Council has put aside £20,000 for community events and grants in the borough.

Marshal Scott, the council's chief executive, said the idea was to "encourage events".

"The council has a proud record of supporting national events and commemorations" he said.

"This year's VE Day will be the 80th anniversary, so it's a special date.

"We aim to do something at the castle and we are also suggesting £500 for every parish or town council in the district."

He added: "The government's idea is that on the May Bank Holiday communities can get together and have street parties.

"We are planning to waive the fee for street closure procedures and trying to encourage events."

At the finance meeting, councillor Sue Bibby said she understood one local parish had, in the past, declined a similar grant.

Councillors suggested the VE Day grant process be made as easy as possible, within reason, with the council pro-actively "offering" grants to parish and town councils.

This motion was agreed.

Anniversary plans in the Ribble Valley include a beacon lighting ceremony at Clitheroe Castle and music from Clitheroe Town Band.

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