COULD the street where Eric Morecambe was born be the friendliest in the district?

While the rest of us ponder how to celebrate the new Millennium the residents of Buxton Street know exactly what's in store come December 31.

This friendly neighbourhood has applied to have their street closed to traffic on New Year's Eve so they can all have the party of a lifetime.

And while other revellers desperately look for babysitters or fork out a small fortune for a night on the town, these neighbours will be together when the countdown to the new Millennium begins.

"There's a lot of young families on the street and we all get on really well," said one of the party organisers, Sarah Bland.

"We knew it would be impossible to find babysitters at New Year and prices in town would be sky high so we thought why not have a street party.

"We've started to organise it ourselves and are hoping to raise some money to pay for drinks, music and to decorate the street. Everyone will bring some food to share and we'll put up a tarpaulin in case of bad weather."

The Buxton Street residents have applied to the city council and the police to have the road closed and both have said they can see no problem with their plans.

Mrs Bland added: "It's one of the friendliest streets around with a good community spirit. We all get on well and watch out for each others children.

"Doors are left open and we sit out at night and take turns to make each other a cup of tea or coffee.

"All my friends are amazed at how friendly it is on the street. That's just the way it is. Maybe the fact that Eric Morecambe was born here has something to do with it. Who knows?"

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