FAMILIES have scrapped plans for a street party to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee because of "excessive costs and red tape".

Ann Witherden, of Musgrave Road, told Sittingbourne borough councillors that she and her neighbours in the cul-de-sac had planned the June 3 party with the council's official blessing. Then council officers said their application would be turned down unless they took out £5 million worth of liability insurance at a cost of £110.

Now Mrs Witherden, who complained in a letter to Sittingbourne area committee, says they have decided to drop the idea. Earlier this month other people complained about the cost of insurance, entertainment licences and other overheads for Golden Jubilee events.

Mrs Witherden said later: "If we were going to hold the event on a village green or in a school grounds we would not mind, but it is just for some children in our close. We wanted to give them a party, but you just find all this red tape."

Families had planned a celebration for about 30 children, with a tea party and games. Mrs Witherden, who called on the council to take out a blanket insurance policy to cover the borough for Golden Jubilee events, said residents had been willing to take out cheaper liability insurance with an official Jubilee Celebration policy which was available. She feared many residents would hold street parties without insurance.

Councillors thought it would be too expensive to take out blanket insurance cover for the borough and agreed to ask officers to investigate the complaints.