GOLDEN Jubilee celebrations in Highworth have lost their shine after organisers were landed with a £1,030 bill by Swindon Council.

It is the second time in a week that a community party has been sent an inflated bill by the council.

Organisers of the party in Highworth were told the charges were being made for road closures.

But the town's mayor Lynn Vardy says she is mystified by the size of the bill.

She said when the High Street was closed for Highworth Festival two years ago it cost just £200.

And when the town held a street party for the Silver Jubilee in 1977 no charge was made.

People in Stratton St Margaret's Ermin Street have also been affected by a Swindon Council policy to charge for road closures. They were sent a bill for £855 to pay for setting up diversions.

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. I don't understand the reasoning behind it."

Other towns and cities have managed to keep costs down for people organising parties.

Portsmouth City Council has waived all road-closure charges for more than 70 street parties in its area. It is spending £10,000, which is covering all road closures, public liability insurance for party organisers and even providing trestle tables.

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 23 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.

"It's taken me totally by surprise. If we'd never done this sort of thing before I'd be less sad and less disappointed."

Swindon Council spokeswoman Lynda Fleming said: "We quoted Highworth Town Council a price for carrying out its road closures.

"If it would like a more detailed breakdown of these costs, they've only to ask us.

"As the town council is our client, we're not prepared to discuss its business with us with a third party."

Highworth's Jubilee celebrations take place on Monday, June 3.

From 2.30pm there will a tea party for around 300 children. There will also be a barbecue for older children, Punch and Judy, street entertainers and live music in the evening.