EXCLUSIVE: WORLD CUP CANCELLED IN REGENT'S PARK AS NOISY 'FAN ZONE' IS ABANDONED

EXCLUSIVE By JAMIE WELHAM

Plans to stage daily screenings of World Cup football matches in Regent's Park have been abandoned.

As revealed first in a New Journal and West End Extra website exclusive earlier today, the Greater London Authority (GLA) has made a dramatic U-turn over the proposed 'fan zone' following a vociferous campaign from residents, local celebrities including broadcaster Sue MacGregor and Dame Judi Dench, and London Zoo.

Opponents feared the park would be overrun with drunken football supporters.

The GLA has now formally withdrawn their application with Camden Council and there is no need for a licensing committee to look at the merits of big screen events in the park, for now at least.

Malcolm Kafetz, chairman of the friends of Regent's Park who spearheaded the campaign, said: “Everybody in the Friends group are relieved and thrilled with the decision. We are not anti-football, but if it went ahead it would have ruined the park and performances of the open air theatre, and there may well have been legal action from London Zoo. As I understand it they couldn't go ahead with it because they were worried about not getting an alcohol license which wouldn't have made it commercially viable for the GLA and the Royal Parks. 

Brian Coleman, the Conservative Assembly member for Camden and Barnet, said: "I am delighted that they have seen sense and peace and tranquility will reign in regents park. There are 100s of licensed premises struigling for business where fans can watch it.

Mr Coleman, who says he is "most certainly not a football fan", added; "I do not want football rammed down my throat through the summer."

A GLA spokeswoman said: "We were considering Regent's Park as a possible location for a Fan Fest but legitimate concerns highlighted by our consultation raised doubts about the commercial viability of the plan to hold it there and we are now focussing on the other options available."