A full council meeting scheduled for this week has been postponed after it clashed with England’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia.

Hertsmere borough councillors were expected to meet at its civic offices in Borehamwood this Wednesday at 7.30pm.

But after “careful consideration”, the meeting has been postponed by one week and will now take place the following Wednesday at 6.30pm.

The council says it allows members of the public who were planning on attending the meeting as well, as elected members and officers, the opportunity to “enjoy” the Three Lions’ first World Cup semi-final in 28 years, which kicks off at 7pm.

The Mayor of Hertsmere, Brenda Batten, who chairs the meeting, said: “After careful consideration with the council’s chief executive, the leader of the council and the leader of the opposition, we decided a postponement of the meeting, for just one week, would be advisable.

“This enables those members of the public who were planning to attend or watch proceedings on our webcast, along with elected members and council officers, to watch the match.

“Given that we could reschedule this very important meeting within one week, we decided this would be a sensible step to take.

“The England football team has done tremendously well in the tournament so far and Wednesday night will be a momentous occasion for them. I wish them every success.”

In the meeting, councillors were expected to discuss proposals which could see a private company set up, controlled by Conservative councillors, which could provide a boost to affordable housing.