Firefighters have issued a stark warning to residents planning on holding illegal street parties to celebrate next week’s Royal Wedding.

In a statement from Mitcham fire station, firefighters said they had been getting calls from residents about holding street parties, who did not know they had to apply to Merton Council for a permit.

Permits are approved after street party applications are approved by the London Fire Brigade and Merton Police, who must agree the suitability of closing off residential roads for parties.

A spokesman for Mitcham fire station said: “We are not killjoys but people need to take responsibility and think of others.

“We are very concerned that people will decide to have a barbecue in the street without the proper authority.

“We are also aware that we could be in for a busy day if people are drinking and possibly have an accident.”

The council’s cabinet member for culture, Councillor Martin Whelton said: “The council has encouraged street parties and we’ve provided plenty of helpful information for organisers of street parties and events on the Merton website.

“We hope that everyone stays safe and looks after one another to ensure the celebrations are an occasion to remember."

Thirty-six applications were made to Merton Council and 20 have been approved, with one rejected by emergency services and eight still awaiting approval.

Confirmed private street parties where roads will be closed in Merton:

WIMBLEDON:

  • Acuba Road (no. 1-8, Wimbledon Park ward)
  • Belvedere Avenue (between Belvedere Grove and Alan Road, Village ward)
  • Braemar Avenue (no. 1-67, Wimbledon Park ward)
  • Bronson Road (whole road, Dundonald ward) Calonne Road (Parkside Gardens to no. 10, Village ward)
  • Denmark Road (whole road, Hillside ward) Effra Road (between Evelyn Road and Effra Close, Trinity ward)
  • Ernle Road (between no. 4 and Wool Rd, Village ward)
  • Lingfield Road (from Homefield Road to the end, Village ward)
  • Mayfield Road (no. 14 to telephone exchange, Dundonald ward)
  • Spencer Hill Road (cul-de-sac, Hillside ward)

RAYNES PARK:

  • Beverley Way (cul-de-sac, Raynes Park ward)
  • Cottenham Park Road (from Hillview to Cottenham Drive, Raynes Park ward)
  • Devas Road (whole road, Raynes Park ward)
  • Pendarves Road (whole road, Raynes Park ward)

COLLIERS WOOD:

  • Cecil Road (no. 18-26, Abbey ward)
  • Taylor Road Day Centre (at centre, Colliers Wood ward)

MORDEN:

  • Charnwood Avenue (whole road, Merton Park ward)
  • Amberley Way (cul-de-sac, St Helier ward)
  • Abbotsbury Road (on a green at junction with Alnwick Grove, St Helier ward)

MITCHAM:

none

What will you be doing to celebrate (or not celebrate) the Royal Wedding? Leave a comment below or email: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.

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