Football fans WILL be able to watch the World Cup matches on the Big Screen in Dover’s Market Square.

The decision follows a meeting on Wednesday, June 2, involving all those involved in the use of the Big Screen.

The screenings will start with England's first game on Saturday June 12 at 7.30pm. The screen will be showing all England games, and all other games broadcast by the BBC, up to and including the quarter finals.

It is hoped to screen the semis and the final, subject to funding being made available, in addition to the contribution Dover District Council is making towards the early matches. Essential safety measures, including some road closures, will be put in place where appropriate.

In a statement, a spokesman for the district council said: "In order to help ensure that the matches are a fun event for all families, the area around the Big Screen remains a restricted area for drinking alcohol outside of licensed premises, so those wishing to attend are advised against bringing any alcohol.

"This follows a range of partner agencies working together, including Dover District Council, Kent Police, Kent Fire and RescueService, and Kent County Council, and follows the decision of the Programming Board to allow the showing of live football."

The decision is a victory for campaigners (pictured) who collected more than 2,600 signatures to try to get the live football ban overturned.

Earlier in May the Mercury revealed that because they were not going to shown at the Market Square, all England’s games would be shown on five big screens at the Centre Spot at Crabble Football Ground, home of Dover Athletic.