Council to offer free road closure licenses for those celebrating 75th VE Day anniversary

Residents and community groups across Buckinghamshire are being invited to think about ways to mark these key anniversaries which mark the ending of the Second World War in Europe and Japan.

As a supporting gesture the County Council has agreed that it will be offering free road closure licences should local communities or street associations plan to host street parties or parades to mark the anniversaries on the weekends of 8 to 10th May and 14 and 15th August. Full details of how to apply for these can be found on our website: https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/VEdayevents

Councillor Bill Bendyshe-Brown, Buckinghamshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “We are delighted to link together with the national programme of events around VE and VJ Day by encouraging our local residents to host their own events to commemorate these significant anniversaries.

“We hope that by waiving all fees for temporary road closures communities can get together and remember all those who lived, served and gave their lives for their country.”

To find out more and apply for a temporary road closure order visit: https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/VEdayevents

The four district councils in Buckinghamshire are each running separate small grants schemes for local groups who may want to host an event linked to the anniversaries. Visit your local district council website for more information on the different schemes:

South Bucks District Council: https://southbucks.gov.uk/VEgrantChiltern District Council: https://chiltern.gov.uk/VEgrantAylesbury Vale District Council: https://www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/ve-grantWycombe District Council: https://www.wycombe.gov.uk/pages/Community/Grants/VEVJ-Day-75-small-grant-scheme.aspxLord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: “We hope lots of local communities will think about doing something to remember the sacrifices and scale of service given by the men and women of the Second World War generation. It is important that we all take a moment to remember the great sacrifices made by an entire generation of men and women.”

SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity, has been nominated as the national charity for the VE/VJ Day commemorations. County lead in Buckinghamshire, John Stevens said: "SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity is honoured to have been nominated as the national charity to be supported in this, the 75th remembrance year for the anniversary of VE Day. Any funds collected will be used to support our clients in Buckinghamshire who currently serve in the Forces, our veterans and their families, who are in need of help."

Community events taking place in Buckinghamshire to mark VE and VJ 75 can be logged onto the Buckinghamshire Community Covenant webpages on the County Council website. If you plan to host an event you can log the details by emailing us at: [email protected]