Sunday (13 June) saw hundreds of fans descend on Preston’s Euros fan zone to watch England play Croatia.

The atmosphere was electric during the game, especially when England scored to take the lead in the match, eventually winning 1-0.

Some locals are less than impressed that an event of this scale was able to go ahead during the pandemic, however, as the Delta variant of Covid continues to spread in communities.

Read more: Preston Euros fan zone applauds as England football team take the knee

Disgruntled resident Sue Eaves said: “I am extremely concerned that Preston city centre was the venue for over 500 football supporters to revel together for the football coverage.

“What on earth is the council thinking of to stage this massively unsafe event in the current dangerous situation of our county in this pandemic.

“Preston has one of the highest levels of the delta variant of Covid-19 at this current time – it is so irresponsible.

“As a citizen of Preston all my life I have never been more ashamed of the city and the decision to stage this event. It is reported that more similar events are to take place. What are they thinking of?!”

Blog Preston were told by Preston BID that the event went smoothly, without any issues reported by security, the medical team, or police.

A spokesperson for Preston BID said: “Like many towns and cities across the UK hosting Fan Zones outdoors, the event went ahead as planned with all of the safety measures in place as prescribed by the Government and the Director of Public Health. 

“The detailed event management and safety plan was accepted by the local authorities, Police, Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service and other involved agencies at it’s final presentation last Thursday.

“In this controlled outdoor environment, with measures in place including testing, the event was operated in a safe manner.  The feedback we have already received from many attendees, and others who weren’t able to attend, advocates it was a well-managed successful event.”

Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “Preston’s Fan Zone has been organised by Preston BID who have worked closely with the Director of Public Health for Lancashire and Preston City Council to ensure that the event followed Covid restrictions and was safe for members of the public.

“We are very grateful to everyone who visited the fan zone over the weekend for enjoying it safely, following the rules and being respectful of one another and other residents in the city centre. We have also worked hard to encourage visitors to get tested before their visit and are grateful to those who did so.

“As we reopen our high street safely events like this are important and we look forward to welcoming fans back for future fixtures.”

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Do you think larger scale events should go ahead? Let us know in the comments below.