THE number of Golden Jubilee street parties planned for Blackburn with Darwen has quadrupled in the last two weeks after council bosses extended the deadline for applying for road closures.

Fifty years of the Queen's rule is cause for national celebration, but only 12 streets in the borough will be partying in the first week of June.

Up to the original closing date a fortnight ago, only three had asked for permission to close, despite the council offering to waive the normal administration fees required for diversion routes.

But a week long extension, coupled with a plea from then Mayor John Williams for more street celebrations, has led to an additional nine being organised.

In Burnley, just four street parties are planned compared to more than 100 in 1977 for the Queen's Silver Jubilee.

In Pendle, only three have been announced, but a spokesman said: "I think a lot of events are being organised away from streets in places like community centres."

Rossendale and Hyndburn Councils are expecting "a few" closures but had no final numbers. Ribble Valley Borough Council is not aware of any parties taking place. Those confirmed are:

BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN: Lightbown Street, Darwen; Kentmere Drive, Feniscowles; Scotland Bank Terrace, Mill Hill; Broomfield Place, Blackburn; Rear Wolseley Street, Blackburn; Norwood Avenue, Blackburn; Sunnymere Drive, Darwen; Jersey Street, Blackburn; Furness Avenue, Blackburn; Aintree Drive, Lower Darwen; Leeward Close, Lower Darwen; French Road, Blackburn.

PENDLE: Towngate, Foulridge; Marsden Hall Road, Nelson.