GROUPS which want to hold street parties to celebrate the Commonwealth Games will not be charged for road closures.

The city council has decided to waive the £2000 cost of shutting roads over the bank holiday weekend from Saturday July 19 to Monday July 21.

It will cover the cost of providing road closure signs, carrying out road closures, the cost of the traffic regulation order and any diversion signs.

Street party organisers for events before or after the bank holiday weekend will have to pay the £2000 bill.

Alistair Watson, the council's land and environment spokesman, said: "To help the people of Glasgow welcome the Games in style, the council will be waiving the associated fees for holding organised street parties."

Applications for road closures should be submitted to les-coning@glasgow.gov.uk by 5pm on Monday June 30.

Meanwhile, Games organisers say they are "encouraged" by the demand for the 12,500 tickets available to see Scots singer Lulu perform at a Games opening party on Glasgow Green.

However, they are keeping tight lipped about rumours Paisley pop star Paolo Nutini and Bob Marley's old backing band the Wailers are due to perform at the Opening Ceremony on July 23.