Are World cup games back on park screen agenda?

The idea initially hit the bar when it was first mooted two weeks ago.

But after residents voiced their frustration at the decision, Colchester Council’s ruling cabinet has agreed to discuss the matter during a private meeting tomorrow.

Tim Young, deputy leader of Colchester Council, said there is no guarantee there will be a U-turn but he promised to “explore all the options”.

The Labour boss said: “I have seen what people have been saying and it will be discussed by the cabinet.

“We want to have an open discussion on it.

“There are eight members of the cabinet and each of their voices should be heard.”

He added: “I will be honest, I am not altogether optimistic for the reasons I’ve already spoken about but this is clearly something people feel strongly about.”

Mr Young also said if the cabinet decides against showing matches,, the door is not closed to private operators who may want to take up the mantle.

He said: “If somebody was to hire a screen for Castle Park, arrange it as a ticketed event, arrange security and refreshments stands and take all that risk, we would listen to that like we would with anyone who applies to run events in Colchester.

“I have to say, though, I haven’t personally seen any registrations of interest to do that.”

Council leader Paul Smith (Lib Dem) added: “We also have to look at it from a logistics point of view.

“With the timings of the games, you would probably be looking at closing the park at 10.15pm - later if games go into extra time.

“There is also no guarantee England would progress in the tournament, so would people’s desire to go to the park to watch matches continue if we were knocked out early?

“While we might see a huge crowd for, say, England versus Germany, I’m not sure we would see the same for Iceland versus South Korea. We will discuss the idea and we will take our time over it, I promise that.”

The item is an extra to a the Cabinet’s private meeting tomorrow afternoon.