Mayor's View: Let’s keep the World Cup feeling going

What a night (or morning?) it was for England, who were magnificent against Mexico. This World Cup, like that performance, has been one for the ages, writes Combined Authority Mayor Paul Bristow. 

Kane, Bellingham, Rice and Pickford are already household names, but they now have the chance to be heroes. 

As we eagerly await Norway at the more civilised time of 10pm on Saturday, it never ceases to amaze me the impact an England run at a major tournament has on the country.  

The camaraderie and positive atmosphere that the World Cup brings to our community is something I want to embrace for as long as possible. 

Being out and about in Peterborough, you can see the excitement in the streets.  

England flags flying about, the pubs full of cheering fans and people rightly, unashamedly, full of passion for their country and their team. 

We come together to share in the drama and the rollercoaster of emotions that being an England fan brings. And it’s that shared experience – the highs, the nail-biting anxiety, and the crushing lows, which further pull us together. 

I made a trip to the Fan Zone in Central Park, when England secured that nervy 2-1 victory over DR Congo. The atmosphere on that evening was a feeling that was unmatched, and I’ve been wondering how we can make that feeling last, even after the World Cup is over.  

Spaces like the Fan Zone bring people together, and they give people a reason to come to the city centre, in this case with a shared goal of wanting to see England succeed. 

And these spaces emphasise how some of our best assets could be used to encourage more visitors into the city, and to get more people exploring what Peterborough has to offer. The Fan Zone can accommodate up to 1,200 people, creating a family friendly space for supporters to come together with their friends. My plan to regenerate Peterborough will also consider how we can make spaces more open, inviting and welcoming for all. Peterborough Station Quarter is a good start – it's going to make that trip from the station to town much easier, more pleasant and inviting.   

Another example is other cities which make great use of their riversides as places for socialising, entertainment and leisure. We don’t make nearly enough of that, and I want that to change. 

Because getting people into town benefits our communities and our economy. England’s run so far at the World Cup will have already given a boost, with more people out and about in town, using bars, restaurants or picking up some shopping. Being out, socialising, meeting people, improves our mental health and tackles our increasing issues around loneliness. We need more incentives to make it happen. 

Boosting local footfall was the inspiration behind launching free parking at four city council car parks later this summer, subject to final council approval.  

The busy summer holiday period, and England’s further progress in the World Cup, will, I hope, be another example of Peterborough city centre as a place to be, to come together, and enjoy all it has to offer.  

So come on England, let’s keep this party going a little longer.