ROYAL wedding fever has begun with street parties and celebrations being planned across the Tavistock area, following on from the Prime Minister's call on the nation to 'get out and have fun'.

Red tape has been cut and the normal six-week road closure notice period has been slackened in an effort to assist people who still want to organise an event on Friday, April 29.

Street parties will take place in College Avenue, Tavistock, Briar Tor at Yelverton and the Square in Chillaton — and more parties are expected to spring up on village greens and in parks around the area.

Although enthusiasm has been slow in Tavistock and the offer of up to £5,000 by the town council for royal wedding celebrations did not get the response expected, it is hoped more people will organise their own events as the spirit of the occasion takes hold.

Tavistock resident Dick Eberlie said he was surprised that the big organisations in the town were not getting involved and he is urging the town council to think again about taking a lead.

'In times of recession, everybody needed a bit of cheering up', he said.

'This is one of those rare occasions when one can forget for just a few hours the miseries of the cuts and the dreary economies we all have to make,' said Mr Eberlie.

'The council is rightly worried about spending taxpayers' money but it need do no more than lend the public the Meadows for children's races and Bedford Square for grown-up celebrations and I am sure the charity bodies and willing volunteers, including myself, would do the rest.

'We should all relish the sight of our mayor leading the field of youngsters in the egg-and-spoon race on that happy day.'

A celebratory ceilidh is being held on the evening of the royal wedding in Tavistock Town Hall which will feature live music, dance and entertainment.

Prime Minister David Cameron has this week been promoting street celebrations — it has been estimated that two million people will take part in events to mark the wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton.

Mr Cameron said: 'Samantha and I will be holding one in Downing Street and bringing together local people and charities.

'The truth is that this is a great chance for communities to come together and celebrate. So, go on — bring out the bunting and let's make this a day to remember, for everyone.'

Health and safety minister Chris Grayling said there was no reason whatsoever for people to ban celebrations on the grounds of health and safety.

'We are restoring common sense to our health and safety system, ensuring it is there to protect people at work not penalise people at leisure,' he said.

A Devon County Council spokesperson said: 'We are working hard to help residents hold street parties to mark the royal wedding on April 29, including waiving the usual road closure fee and working with applicants to ensure permission is granted

'However, with the big day fast approaching it is important people contact us with their applications as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and make sure we have enough time to complete the necessary assessments.'

Royal Wedding Street Party Application Packs can be downloaded from the Devon County Council website at http://www.devon.gov.uk/eventaffectinghighway">www.devon.gov.uk/eventaffectinghighway

The Times would like to hear from anyone who is having a party for the royal wedding so we can publicise the event. Email the newsdesk at tavistock@tindlenews.

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