FRETTING England fans worried about missing Tuesday's crunch World Cup clash with Costa Rica to attend a Halesowen neighbourhood forum can breathe a sigh of relief.

Dudley Council has put back the start of the Halesowen North and South Neighbourhood Forum at Olive Hill Primary School to 7.15pm after originally having a 6.30pm start.

England's final group game starts at 5pm and could decide whether The Three Lions progress to the knock out stages of the tournament.

Councillor Alan Taylor, vice chairman of the Halesowen North and Halesowen South community forum, said: “It is very important people have their say at the community forums, and we didn’t want people to lose that opportunity because of the clash with the England game.

“It’s a lot to compete with at the same time as an England game, but it shows we’re very much in touch with the feeling of the borough. If people follow the football, they can still take part in important local democracy.”

Residents can raise issues ranging from transport and parks to community funding at the forum with local councillors and council officers.

Councillor David Sparks, leader of Dudley Council, said: “The number of people coming along to the community forums to speak to us and discuss their ideas is very encouraging. I really do hope people see this as an opportunity to have their say about how we can work better with communities and discuss issues with their ward councillors.

“As a council we are listening to what people say and we have made a commitment, as a community council, to work with our communities for the benefit of everyone.”

Belle Vale, Hayley Green and Cradley South Community Forum, is on Wednesday, July 2 at Earls High School, Furnace Lane, at 6.30pm.