Leicestershire County Council is encouraging communities in the Coalville area to apply for free road closures - so they can host street parties to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May.

The historic anniversary, which commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe, takes place on Thursday, May 8, and celebrations are being planned across the country across the weekend from 8-11 May.

There is normally a fee for closing roads in order to hold events, but the council says it is waiving it to help support communities and groups who want to organise events.

The applications for temporary traffic orders, which involve road closures if events are being held on the highway, usually cost in the region of £400-£650.

The deadline for applications for a free road closure to allow a celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day to be held is Friday, March 21.

Coalville celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE Day in 2020 - shortly after Covid restrictions had been put in place.

But that did not stop people marking the occasion in their own way.

Councillor Ozzy O'Shea, cabinet member for highways, said: "The 80th anniversary of VE Day is an historic event for the country - and the county of Leicestershire.

"We want to help people to celebrate and encourage communities to come together to mark this special occasion, so we'll be waiving road closure fees.

 "However, if you are planning an event, such as a street party, you will need to let us know in good time, so that the necessary arrangements can be put in place.

"The council is also offering free loans of signs and cones for event organisers, which will need to be collected from and returned to the Mountsorrel Highways Depot. 

"These also need to be applied for by the deadline of March 21, as availability cannot be guaranteed after this date."

Guidance on organising an event and an application for a road closure is available HERE or by e-mailing [email protected].

Communities across Leicestershire are invited to get involved in the commemorations by hosting parties of celebration throughout the day in the streets, gardens, churches, town halls, pubs, and clubs.  

Ideas, inspiration and resources for making the most of the day is available HERE where events can also be registered.