Video: Crowds enjoy the
England v America football action

Hundred of football
fans have crowded into Dover's Market Square to
watch England's World Cup match against Germany on the
Big Screen.

Extra police are on duty and parts
of the Market Square are restricted areas for drinking alcohol.
Officers have the discretion to confiscate booze if
necessary.

Essential safety measures are in
place, with King Street, Market Square and Castle Street (from
Russell Street to the Market Square) closed to traffic.

England's matches against America
and Algeria and attracted crowds estimated at 500 and 350
respectively when they were shown on the screen.

Far more were expected for the
Germany game.

Fans were disappointed that
England's crucial 1-0 victory over Slovenia was not shown on
Wednesday afternoon, June 23.

The fans staged a protest in
the Market Square in an attempt to persuade the authorities to
change their minds over the Slovenia game, but it was to no
avail.

A spokesman for the district
council said the decision had been taken "reluctantly" due to
the disruption it would cause to local businesses and
residents.

But district council leader Cllr
Paul Watkins said the council would have been happy to screen
the match without the road closures.

"Others involved in public safety
and security decided otherwise," he said.



"The BBC will not screen unless others agree. They control the
content.



"I believe there is less risk mid-week, mid-afternoon. Road
closures are over kill and affect the business vitality of the
town. Security staff and other measures were still in place. The
road closure was the only issue."

The council said other World Cup
matches, would continue to be screened.

Among the other agencies involved
in the Big Screen are the police, fire service and county
council.