The country seems to be overflowing with Millennium deadlines. Don’t forget the millennium bug, don’t forget to make sure you’ve sent out party invitations and bought your bubbly in time. Oh yes and don’t forget to book your street closure.

Coventry City Council normally charges people or businesses who want to close roads. As a special millennium celebration, the Council has set aside some money so that residents organising street parties will be able to close the road for free. Even so the Council is concerned that residents will leave it too late to get their street closed to traffic. The Council has put procedures in place to try to ensure that people who leave it to the last minute aren’t disappointed but Councillor John McNicholas is urging people to get their applications in as soon as possible.

He went on to say:

"The Council is keen to help Coventry celebrate and many groups may wish to hold street parties."

Anyone hoping to close a stretch of their street must first of all confirm that none of the residents directly affected object. They should then write to:

Davinder Chohan
Coventry City Council
Tower Block
Coventry, CV1 2PY

explaining clearly what stretch of road they want to close and exactly when on 31 December the closure should begin and when on 1 January they hope the road will re-open.

The Council will consider how important the road is to traffic flow and will consult the police before making a final decision. Major roads will not be closed, nor will bus routes.

"Please consider carefully what plans you and your neighbours have for the turn of the Millennium" said Councillor McNicholas. "It is illegal to obstruct roads or pavements unless you have obtained a temporary closure order. If people think they might want to mark the new year in this way, they should contact the Council as soon as possible. Have a good new year’s celebration"