No Southgate at Southgate

The possibility of a new big screen in Bath was ‘looked into’ after the Southgate shopping centre confirmed the World Cup would not be shown there.

Tim Warren, the leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, has confirmed efforts were made to put on a big screen event should England make it through to the final.

He said: “We’re delighted by the incredible achievements of the England team in the World Cup. We hope the squad goes all the way to the final on Sunday and brings football back home.

“We have looked into the possibility of having a big screen in Bath to show the match; and the huge challenge of staging a major event in just two working days.”

The investigation came after the Southgate shopping centre – which shares its name with England boss Gareth Southgate – said it would not be showing any of the remaining World Cup games, including last night’s semi final with Croatia, citing safety concerns.

A spokesperson said: “We have made the decision based on people’s safety. There is just not the space to have that many people in a confined shopping centre.

Addressing whether it would be possible to host a big screen event elsewhere, Mr Warren said: “We do not wish to put any undue extra pressure on police, ambulance and council services – particularly as they’ll already be stretched by managing the large number of people watching the football in pubs and other venues. Therefore we have taken the decision not to stage a big screen event. Instead we encourage people to support the local pubs and sports clubs who already have plans to show the World Cup.”