HOUSEHOLDS across Reading are being invited to stage a street party on any weekend throughout the summer without having to pay the usual road closure fees.

The council has previously supported the national Big Lunch and Great Get-Together events by offering the no-fee street closures for those specific weekends.

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This year, communities in Reading borough will be free to choose any weekend between Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, September 5 to stage a street party.

The Big Lunch, on June 6-7, is held every year to encourage as many people as possible to have lunch with their neighbours in a simple act of community, friendship and fun.

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The Great Get Together, on June 19 - 21, is a chance for communities up and down the country to get together to celebrate kindness and respect.

Reading Borough Council wants to make it even easier for neighbourhoods to stage a street party by extending the timescale they can be held without any administration fee.

Councillor Tony Page, lead councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: "The council has supported communities to stage summer street parties for many years by waiving the usual road closure fees on particular weekends.

"This year we are extending that offer throughout the summer to encourage as many residents as possible to get together and celebrate their neighbourhoods.

"I hope to see communities across Reading take advantage of this opportunity to bring neighbours together who may normally only pass each other in the street.

Residents can apply to stage a street party here.

The deadline for applications is May 1, 2020.

Further ideas and help in planning street parties can be found on the Big Lunch website and the Street Party official website.