South Kesteven District Council will not fund big screens if England make World Cup final

South Kesteven District Council has ruled out showing the World Cup Final on big screens if England go through.

Quizzed by Grantham councillor Tracey Foreman, head of community assets, Paul Stokes told the culture and tourism overview and scrutiny committee: “We did look at a big screen. Everyone was sold out. Unfortunately we could not get one.”

Cabinet member for the retail and visitor economy Coun Nick Robins said an organisation in Stamford was paying £1,000 a night for a large screen in the earlier rounds, but for the final “it went up to £4,500.” The council would have to assess an economic benefit, he said and £4,500 was “outside my budget.”

A council spokesman later added: "A number of possible sites across the district were considered, but SKDC decided not to proceed with big screens to show England’s World Cup games on the grounds of public safety, which is our paramount concern."

England play Croatia this evening in the second semi-final of the competition. The winners will play France in the final on Sunday.