BackNew guidance frees up living streets
Local communities should now find it easier to organise activities that brings streets to life such as street parties and other community events, thanks to new guidance from the Department of Communities and Local Government to simplify the process of getting permission.
Citing overbearing bureaucracy and costs as a factor that may discourage many communities from getting together in this way, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles released a simple guidance note on the legal requirements for a street party, including a single form which organisers will be able to present to councils to cover road closures, licensing and other matters which might previously have been dealt with by different departments.
The move follows long-term campaigning around the issue by Living Streets. Released for our 80th anniversary in 2009, our research report No Ball Games Here looked back to an era when streets were less car-dominated and more sociable and safe and called for the overregulation of street parties to be addressed. The new guidance takes up our suggestion by clarifying that costly road closures are unlikely to be required for a genuine community street party, put on by and for neighbours and for fun, not profit.
Street parties have been particularly thrust into the limelight after long-term campaigning from our friends at organisations such as Streets Alive, and since the great success of The Big Lunch, the nationwide, annual street party initiative that started in 2009 and saw an estimated million people take part this summer with considerable support from many local authorities.
Living Streets' Chief Executive, Tony Armstrong, said: "I am delighted with this news and wish party organisers luck with the weather as we head into autumn - a good party can inspire people to work towards streets that are permanently more sociable and safer."
Download the Living Streets street party guide.
Published on: 31/08/2010
