A CAMPAIGN is under way to make sure things do not get out of hand in Bexley during the World Cup.

With the tournament due to kick off on June 11 and England’s first game against the USA on June 12 at 7.30pm, the borough police and Bexley Council have been pressing home the message “let’s make it fun for everyone”.

Police have been working with local licencees for months, using events such as St George’s Day and New Year’s Eve as dry runs.

Many borough pubs will be screening the matches and some pubs and clubs are running World Cup themed events.

Chief Inspector Steve Murrant, who is in charge of operations and licensing for Bexley police, says all police leave has been cancelled for the England games.

In addition three extra police carriers with CCTV will be deployed on the streets, together with a mobile CCTV van and a PC will be stationed in the borough’s CCTV control room.

He said extra resources would be deployed for every England game and licensees would have a dedicated point of contact for the police in case of any problems.

Councillor Katie Perrior, cabinet member for community safety, said: “We will take a tough line with anyone who does not follow the rules and who does not take seriously their role in encouraging responsible drinking and discouraging anti-social behaviour.”

Licencees are being reminded of their responsibility not to serve underage drinkers or people who are already drunk.

The public is also being asked to play its part by drinking sensibily and not buying drinks for anyone underage or who has already drunk too much.

Police have issued a guide to Bexley licencees on how to get organised for the World Cup.

They are being asked to do risk assessments before screening the England matches and the cup final.

Mr Murrant said: “It is not reasonable to hold an event without one and expect police to pick up the pieces if it goes wrong.

“We will ask for the assessment if we are called out.”

Licensees have also been given other suggestions, such as using plastic glasses and hiring extra bar staff and door supervisors.

But while most publicans accept some of the advice is reasonable, Delia Dalton from Bexleyheath Broadway’s Ivory Lounge is among many who will not accept closing an hour following afternoon matches and before evening matches and at 11pm.

She said: “Closing would just push any problems elsewhere.”

IF you are not a football fan, there will be plenty of other things to do in Bexley during the World Cup.

As the competition nears its final, there will be the fun of the Danson Festival in Danson Park, Welling on July 3 and 4.

On June 13 there is a family Mad Hatter’s tea party at Danson House, and on June 27 a Teddy Bears’ picnic, both with themed games.

There are also guided walks, themed talks, open air theatre performances at Hall Place, as well as the Barnehurst Festival, Crayford Fun Day and other community events.

And there is free fun at the borough’s two splash parks in Belvedere recreation ground and Danson Park.

For details go to bexley.gov.uk

World Cup song

A WORLD Cup song written by Bexley businessman and DJ Richard Edwin is taking off on radio stations across the country.

Known as DJ Richie E, his song 2B Or Not 2B has already had airtime on Talksport, the BBC and Capital FM and was recently played at half-time during a match at Charlton Athletic FC where the crowd joined in.

The football fan hopes to go down in history as the first black writer and singer of a successful England football song.

Mr Edwin, 40, whose games software shop Game Raiders is in Lion Road, Bexleyheath, said: “It is a good catchy singalong song and all the crowd can sing the chorus.”