THE Borough of South Ribble has been snubbed from attending an 'invitation-only' royal party after refusing to cough-up £1,000 toward the cost of the event.

Instead, the authority has agreed to use the cash to pay for blanket advertising of residents' intentions to close roads for street parties, a legal requirement when holding a street party and something which would cost at least £80.

Now, Lord Shuttleworth JP -- the person responsible for the Queen in Lancashire -- has hinted that South Ribble representatives will not be entitled to attend the royal event unless they come up with the cash.

"If someone wanted to come but refused to pay I would have to consult with those who had paid," he said. "To hold an event like this you have got to try and find the money to pay for it."

The royal event, planned for August 5, is being co-hosted by Preston City Council, which is exempt from paying the £1,000 contribution.

It will incorporate a walkabout by the Queen and Prince Philip and community activities on the Flag Market ahead of the royal reception inside the Guild Hall.

It is expected to cost thousands-of-pounds and, so far, around half of the county's 14 councils have responded, agreeing to pay the full contribution. Lancashire County Council will also be contributing.

South Ribble councillors' decision not to support the event follows a round of budget cuts and an increase in council tax.

Council leader Howard Gore said: "I believe we, South Ribble, is the only district council not to support it. But I don't think a party for the great and good is the best way to spend council tax payers' money.

"We have set up a Jubilee Working Party and the £1,000 will be spent on community events in the borough including blanket advertising for street parties."

Coun Alan Hackett, Mayor of Preston, said he is looking forward to the royal visit -- the first under the town's new found city status. "Preston is very proud to have been accepted as the location for this prestigious visit," he said.

Despite rumours to the contrary South Ribble Mayor-elect, Coun David Pownall, said the Lord Lieutenant would be invited to future civic events in South Ribble regardless.