HUNDREDS of Tendring residents have signed a petition calling for the Government to let football fans back into stadiums.

Almost 200,000 fans across the country have backed the idea, forcing a Parliamentary debate to take place on the issue in the coming weeks.

A total of 456 people across the district signed the petition as of 10am on Friday, October 16.

In the Harwich and North Essex constituency 269 signatures were collected, and 187 people signed the petition in Clacton.

The petition on Parliament’s website has gathered 197,000 signatures already, meaning MPs in Westminster will have to debate the matter – now confirmed for November 9.

Petition creator Ashley Greenwood said football is a "powerful tool" that brings a range of economic and social benefits.

He added: "Football can be associated with passion, emotion, excitement and dedication across the community."

The Premier League says English football loses £100 million every month without spectators.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters questioned why football stadiums remain closed, but indoor arts and music events are still taking place.

He said: "We understand that DCMS has to do things for different sectors but ultimately there’s an inconsistency there, that you can go to an indoor venue, enjoy an evening out.

“We think that’s a really positive thing, the big question is why can’t that be, in the near future, sports venues as well?”