Torridge Road in Thornton Heath is one of the first roads in Croydon to apply to host a street party for the royal wedding.

Revellers wishing to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29 are being given a helping hand by Croydon Council - as it seeks to slash red tape for street parties.

Council Leader Mike Fisher has announced he will also be waiving the council's administrative costs involved with licensing parties - which can run into hundreds of pounds.

The same will apply to the 'Big Lunch' on June 5, when communities are encouraged to get together with their neighbours and enjoy a shared meal.

Traditionally residents have to file an application for road closures, at a cost, and then make separate applications for licensing and any changes to local parking restrictions.

However Coun Fisher confirmed the council will be taking immediate steps to simplify the process, including: a simple online application form, which slashes the bureaucracy of applying for road closures, licenses and changes to parking restrictions; Waiving the fees associated with applying for a road to be closed - usually more than £500 per application and online advice and regulations.

Residents who don’t have access to a computer can arrange their party by calling the council on 020 8726 6000.

Coun Fisher said: “Last year more than 30 street parties were held in the borough as part of the Big Lunch - they were a massive success, and we expect even more demand this year for the Royal wedding.

“However feedback told us setting up these sorts of events can be bureaucratic and complicated. We’ve listened to that, and will be making it as straightforward as possible - and offering a helping hand financially too by waiving the cost. This alone will save residents over £500.

“All people need to do is let us know what they want to arrange via our website - and we will do the rest, taking care of the necessary licensing and road closure issues for them.”

The application procedure is available now at www.croydon.gov.uk/streetparties.

Applications to hold a street party for the Royal wedding need to be submitted to the council no later than March 28. Applications to hold a party for the Big Lunch event must be filed by May 5.