Back lanes ideal for a celebration; Yousay IN YOUR OPINION...

I LIVE in an older part of Cardiff on a very busy road, so a Diamond Jubilee street party is out of the question.

However, since the advent of wheelie bins, our back lane has become clean and virtually free of traffic.

Today I put a letter through the door of 85 houses - all of which back on to the same lane - suggesting that we hold a cafe-style community party in our lane next Sunday.

All we need do is open our back gates, take our garden furniture into the lane, and each supply ourselves (and our guests) with food and drink - with maybe something extra to share.

If everyone decorates their own bit of the lane with balloons or bunting or lights, it will look splendid. I'm sure that some of my neighbours will come up with ideas for music and games - but even if they don't, it will still be a wonderful opportunity for us to get together and celebrate - with no fuss or major organisation involved.

In the letter I set a start time (2pm), warned people with garages that their access would be blocked and suggested that in the event of appalling weather we gather in the lane at 2pm to toast "what might have been".

Within six hours I have had responses from 10 houses - all of them wholeheartedly supportive.

As so many houses in Cardiff have back lanes, I feel I must share this idea.

I am sure the residents of Melrose and Colchester Avenues will have a wonderful time next week.

And if this idea spreads, hopefully the residents of Roath, Splott, Adamsdown, Penylan, Grangetown, Riverside, Canton, Pontcanna and Cathays - all of which have back lanes - will have a wonderful time as well.

* Sally Humble-Jackson Penylan, Cardiff