A
STREET party to celebrate the Royal Wedding will take place
in Redditch thanks to the generosity of a Studley business report
the Redditch Standard Newspaper.
The Standard reported last week how residents in Millsborough Road and Honeychurch Close in Smallwood had been left frustrated their plans to hold the traditional British celebration, to mark the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, had been scuppered by Redditch Borough Council demanding £90 to advertise the road closure.
But after reading the article local businessman Alan Griffiths, MD of AG Cranes Ltd based in Studley, contacted the Standard to offer to pay the fee on residents' behalf, and offer the use of one of the company's access platforms to put zig zag bunting across the road.
The application is now being processed and the party looks set to go-ahead on April 29. Plans are already in place for a design a bunting competition for the children, cake baking and chilli eating competitions for adults as well as traditional party games such as egg and spoon races.
Liz Thompson, one of the organisers, told the Standard with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics taking place next year they hoped the council would re-think its position to help encourage community cohesion.
"On behalf of all the residents at Millsborough Road and Honeychurch Close I would like to thank Alan at AG Cranes for his generosity and kindness. We were delighted to find out about the donation, which has enabled us to finally get moving with our plans and organise a street party that will, hopefully, bring our multi-cultural community together," she said.
"Secondly, we would like to thank the Standard for running the article as this has, not only highlighted the problem, but, obviously, also provided us with a viable solution. I would like to stress the fact that, although we are hugely grateful for AG Cranes generosity, we are still disappointed about the council's position and we hope councillors and council staff will consider reviewing their policy and consequent charges as we strongly believe this is creating unnecessary barriers for the people of Redditch."
Mr Griffiths said: "Our business is based in Studley however I have lived and worked in and around Redditch all of my life. I think it will be a great opportunity to bring the community together on the day. You don’t need to be a royalist to enjoy a great day out and a party after all.
"Liz and the residents have done a great job in organising the street party and we wish them all the best and hope they have a great day.” |
