The restaurateur and TV chef will help raise the profile of street parties in the borough, and will be invited to attend one of the events being held as part of Big Lunch on June 5th.   

Big Lunch encourages people to organise street parties to get neighbours talking to each other and put the 'village back into the city'.

More than 150,000 Londoners took part last year and nine out of ten people felt it was a great way to strengthen their local community.  

"I'm delighted to help raise the profile of street parties in Wandsworth and encourage as many local people as possible to get involved," says Mr Worrall Thompson.

"It's a fantastic way of getting to know your neighbours, strengthening your local community and enjoying a really fun day with your friends and family."

Cabinet member for environment and culture, Cllr Sarah McDermott, says:

"I'm very happy that Antony has agreed to support our campaign to encourage local people to hold street parties. We already have some strong local communities here in Wandsworth, and street parties help bring neighbours even closer together.

"We've made sure that holding a street party in Wandsworth is easier and cheaper than ever, and we've got rid of a great deal of red tape and over-regulation. We want people to hold events free of council interference, while remaining on-hand as a source of information and support where needed."

Wandsworth is leading the way in making the organisation of a street party as easy as possible. The charge for road closures has been slashed to just £50, and it will be completely free for people organising street parties for the Royal Wedding or next year's Golden Jubilee.

The council is also cutting red tape to make it easier for people to organise and manage their own street parties. It has simplified procedures and has produced clear guidelines for organisers giving advice on issues such as health and safety. 

There is still time to organise a road closure for a Big Lunch or Royal Wedding street party because council engineers only require one month's notice.

To get a copy of the form and new guidelines, call (020) 8871 6712, email dtsstreetworks@wandsworth.gov.uk or visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/streetparties