GOLDEN jubilee celebrations in Highworth have lost some of their shine after the town was landed with a £1,030 bill by Swindon Council.

Highworth mayor Lynn Vardy cannot understand why the road-closure charge is being made.

She said when the High Street was closed for Highworth Festival two years ago it cost £200. And when the town held a street party for the Silver Jubilee in 1977 no charge was made.

Coun Vardy said: "We haven't got any problem with paying something but we shut the High Street every other year and we've never had to pay this much before.

"I'm very saddened by it. If I didn't laugh, I'd cry we are a little High Street, it's unbelievable."

Portsmouth City Council has waived all road-closure charges for street parties in its area. But Swindon Council voted last month only to cover the cost of a £50 administration charge for road closures.

The fee for Highworth has been broken down into £875 to make the signs and £155 for the design of the signing schedule.

Coun Vardy said: "I'm sure 23 signs aren't needed to shut our High Street I was prepared for three or four because that's what we've had in the past."

Swindon Council spokesman Lynda Fleming said: "As the town council is our client, we're not prepared to discuss their business with us with a third party."

Highworth's jubilee celebrations take place on Monday, June 3, and include an afternoon tea party for around 300 children.