A tightly-knit community enjoyed welcomed hundreds of Waltham Forest residents to street party earlier this month.

On Sunday, July 4 residents and businesses came together for the Francis Road Street Party – a popular pedestrianised street in Leyton.

Jon Clifford, owner of Dreamhouse Records on Francis Road, said: “I was very happy to support the residents’ street party. Francis Road is a diverse, eclectic place with so many places to visit, it was great to bring the community together and see so many new people here enjoying what we have to offer.”

Waltham Forest residents can apply to close a road for a residents’ street party in quiet residential roads where a simple alternative traffic route is available.

Fiona Campbell, owner Wee Movers Creative Dance, said: “Residents' street parties are an excellent way to celebrate the summer and, as a new business, it was a great way to meet people from the community. There was so much energy during my taster dance class; I met some great dancers who I hope to see again soon.”

Councillor Khevyn Limbajee, Grove Green councillor, said: “After a difficult year for so many of us in Waltham Forest, it was wonderful to see lots of residents enjoying themselves safely at the Francis Road Street Party.

“Residents’ street parties, like our local one in Francis Road, help bring the diverse communities of Waltham Forest together in a shared and safe space. They brilliantly demonstrate the energy and talent of local people and the wider community that makes our borough so special. All residents can apply to hold these events; I hope we see many more of them in the future.”