THERE will be no official celebrations, flag-flying or patriotic parties in the Fylde area on the Golden Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend -- Fylde Borough Council can't afford it.

The borough's tourism and leisure committee discussed the Golden Jubilee at a meeting earlier in the year and decided not to pull out any stops to mark the occasion due to lack of money.

A spokesman for the council said: "They made a conscious decision not to spend any money on the Golden Jubilee due to cuts, cuts and more cuts.

"The council does not have an open cheque book and the money we have is needed for essential public services such as the bins etc. We also spent an awful lot of money recently on the Local Plan."

But local residents aren't happy with the decision.

Angela Naylor of Kintour Road, St Annes, said: "There's probably no money left because it's all been spent on that abomination that is St Annes square.

"The town hall should be hosting some sort of celebration that will bring the whole of the community together at this historic event and it's a great shame they are not."

Another St Annes resident added: "I can't believe the council won't even fork out for a few flags and a concert or two in the town hall or even Ashton Gardens. I thought they were supposed to be the representatives of the community."

Staunch royalist Betty Jennings of Trent Street, Lytham, thinks it's "absolutely disgusting".

"Whatever people think of the rest of the Royal Family, she's been a good queen. Her Golden Jubilee is a major part of our country's history and the council should be making an effort to mark it," she said.

"It takes them all their time to put the lights up at Christmas."

But Fylde MP Michael Jack disagreed. "In fairness, the Fylde officially recognised the Queen's Accession on February 6 at St Cuthbert's Church, Lytham, with Mayor Pat Fieldhouse on a directive from Buckingham Palace.

"I think now it's up to individuals to celebrate on their own. For my part I will be attending the special service at Blackburn Cathedral on June 2 and have officially addressed Her Majesty through Parliament."

Meanwhile Blackpool Borough Council has allocated £25,000 to Golden Jubilee celebrations which include the waiving of fees for street parties and paying for insurance and cone hire charges, a commemorative first day cover for every Blackpool school pupil, a firework display, family fun day in Stanley Park and the lighting of a special beacon.

Wyre Borough Council has organised patriotic entertainment across the area over the weekend which includes a brass band, a royal teddy bear's picnic, cream teas and free magic and children's shows.