PLANS for a football fanzone in Chepstow to celebrate Wales’ progress in the 2016 European Championships have re-emerged.

Discussions for a family-friendly fanzone in Chepstow to celebrate the Wales national football team’s progress in the championships have continued, with potential venues being discussed if Wales beat Belgium later today (1st July) and progress into the semi-final stage of the competition.

A similar project has seen success in Caldicot, with an event held at the castle, and despite concerns about the lack of time it is hoped that the fanzone will become a reality if Wales progress.

Councillor Armand Watts, who is organising the project, said at a meeting of Chepstow Town Council on Wednesday (29th June) that it would be a missed opportunity if the project failed to materialise.

“It would be remiss of us to not put something on if we [Wales] make it,” he said.

“We want to celebrate together, it is the National Eisteddfod in Monmouthshire this year and I think it fits in well with that.

Cllr Marc Le Peltier expressed some concern about the fanzone potentially taking away from trade in the town, with two similar screens showing games. He said: “It worries me somewhat from a commercial view. Pubs are struggling and the tournament should be used as an opportunity for them to get some money.

“It should be built around family and not just used as an excuse for an almighty drink up.”

If Wales progress, possible discussed locations for the fanzone included the Dell Park and the village green in Garden Village, with the main criteria being a space that is enclosed and family friendly.

Cllr Watts continued: “The last thing any of us want to do is take any trade away from local businesses.”

He went on to confirm that there had been no complaints from Caldicot Chamber of Commerce after the event at Caldicot Castle saw around 300 people attend.

Should Wales beat Belgium in the tournament later today, the semi final will take place on 6th July with the final on 10th July.