ECSTATIC England fans hoping to go and watch the triumphant Lionesses tackle Spain in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final on Sunday in style, have had their hopes dashed.
It had been hoped that jubilant fans would be able to watch the match on a giant screen al fresco on the lawns behind the De La Warr Pavilion, but it has now been confirmed that will not be taking place due to charges imposed by Rother District Council to use its land.
England beat co-hosts Australia 3-1 in a pulsating encounter today (Wednesday) which was actually a lot closer than the scoreline suggests.
It is the first time the Lionesses have reached the World Cup final and excitement has now certainly reached fever pitch ahead of the eagerly-anticipated clash.
Sadly, however, England fans will not be able to bask in the sunshine for the final as tentative plans to show the match on a big screen on the seafront have now been shelved.
Howard Martin, President of Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, said: “Like the rest of the country, I was cheering on the Lionesses. What a fabulous performance the team put on and now they are just one step away from lifting the World Cup.
“We would have absolutely loved to have shown the final against Spain but unfortunately it is not to be.
“The cost of staging an event like that on the lawns is prohibitive because of the charges being implemented by Rother District Council and to put it bluntly we are not prepared to pay that.
“The Chamber really wish they could have shown it with hundreds cheering the Lionesses on, especially in such an idyllic setting as the seafront.
“It would have been a fantastic community event, but on this occasion, it is sadly just not possible.”
