A small group of 'NIMBY' residents in Barnes has been accused of blocking plans for a street party to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The Barnes Community Association and Richmond Borough Council had drawn up plans to temporarily close off the high street for the event on Saturday, June 4.

The scheme would have involved diverting buses down nearby Nassau Road, which runs from the riverside to Barnes Green.

However a group of residents on the road, where average sold property prices over the past year are around £3.5 million, objected. There were also some practical difficulties with the diversion.

The news of the cancellation has created huge disappointment among residents in the area who accused objectors of being NIMBYs – Not in My Back Yard - and putting their own interests ahead of the wider community.

The situation in Barnes is in stark contrast to the situation across the rest of Richmond where an astonishing 331 street parties and associated road closures have been agreed for the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend. This is around 100 more than for the Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

The Community Association said: "We are very disappointed to announce that we are unable to proceed with our Platinum Jubilee party on Barnes High Street on Saturday 4th June. 

"We have invested many hours in preparing and planning an event for our community to come together, to take part in a once in a lifetime national celebration at the heart of our village and to support our fabulous local businesses, but sadly it was not to be. 

"Both the BCA and Council Officers have invested a lot of time in planning this event in the last few months but, following complaints from residents in Nassau Road over the temporary diversion of buses down the road, and additional practical issues to enable buses to be diverted, the Council felt it would be better to withdraw permission for the party, a view which we share."

It added: "We would like to thank all the local businesses on the High Street who have thrown themselves enthusiastically into ensuring an unforgettable event for our community.

"Unfortunately we were not able to make this party work this time but we still hope that a fabulous community celebration on the High Street will be possible in the future."

The Association stressed that not all residents in Nassau Road objected and, in fact, some were enthusiastic supporters.

Some residents took to Facebook and social media to express they disappointment. One wrote: "What a shame, a missed opportunity for a community get together in these difficult times."

Another said: "There's always someone that spoils things for everyone else."

A third wrote: "Sad that people are so selfish they won't be put out for one day,", while another said simply: "Nimbys spoiling the fun."

As well as the objections from some residents, there was also a practical difficulty in that the bus diversion would have involved time and expense in removing an island on Lonsdale Road.

The Council said: "The council is saddened the Barnes High Street road closure for the Jubilee street party cannot go ahead. Issues with road widths mean TfL cannot divert their buses, so the closure of the high street is no longer feasible."