PLANS to organise a fanzone in Newport for the UEFA Euro 2016 championships are close to being finalised, the Argus can reveal.

Representatives from Queensberry Real Estate, the company that developed Friars Walk and Newport Now - the company name of Newport's business improvement district - are set to meet tomorrow.

The plan is for John Frost Square to host the screenings of the Wales national team's three group games against England, Slovakia and Russia.

Newport has held fanzones in the past, with the city's first beer and cider festival showing Wales rugby and football matches at Rodney Parade last October.

According to Newport Now manager Adrian Evans, Queensberry will be organising the fanzone while Newport Now will be sponsoring it.

"We're looking to bring in screens for the three Welsh group games at John Frost Square," said Mr Evans.

"This means people can watch the games and can grab something to eat at the site's many restaurants."

The decision comes as a Blackwood man's petition for fanzones to be organised across Wales is nearing 1000 signatures.

Mark Jones put forward the idea after it was revealed that no public screenings of the matches had been organised in the country.

The 24-year-old student called for relevant parties to provide fans with these fanzones "in the capital or beyond".

Northern Ireland, who are also making their first tournament bow for several years, have had a 10,000 capacity fanzone commissioned in Belfast's Titanic Quarter.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Mr Jones said that Wales have "waited a lot longer" to qualify for a tournament than Northern Ireland but conceded that councils are unable to fund these fanzones on their own.

There are currently no plans for a fanzone in Cardiff, despite the Rugby World Cup fanzone at Arms Park attracting more than 158,000 people last year.

Many expected the football tournament to follow suit after Wales qualified for their first major tournament in 58 years.

Islwyn MP Chris Evans spoke of his "shock and disappointment" after hearing that no public screenings had been set up.

He said: "If a sponsor comes forward quickly, there is every possibility that a good public event can be put on for fans.

"It's a perfect opportunity to put Wales in the shop window and allow fans opportunity to show the world their passion for their team and their country."

To sign the petition, visit https://www.change.org/p/fanzone-for-wales-euro-fixtures