Sharpys top lip
Player Valuation: £60m
Everton chief admits concern over club move if inquiry is launched
Apr 25 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post
Artist's impression of Everton's new stadium & shops in Kirkby _400
EVERTON FC chief executive Keith Wyness last night admitted he was concerned about the long-term ramifications of the club’s proposed move to Kirkby if the Government launched an inquiry.
It came as Wyness welcomed the intervention of Knowsley MP George Howarth, who yesterday finally gave his support to the proposed £400m scheme that would include a Tesco superstore.
In a letter to constituents, Mr Howarth said he would “choose progress” after Tesco made commitments which he believes will “bring real benefits to local people”.
This week, the Liverpool Daily Post reported a government official saying the scheme was likely to be “called in” for an inquiry because of the huge amount of retail it has.
Yesterday, Mr Howarth also said he would not ask the Government to call in the scheme for a public inquiry as it would “leave Kirkby in limbo for at least a year” and “even jeopardise the project”.
Tesco’s pledge to create 700 jobs, spend £10m on roads and parking improvements and a possible new police station and health centre, had convinced him to back the scheme.
Last night, Mr Wyness said: “Hav- ing spent a considerable amount of time discussing the 'Destination Kirkby' project with Mr Howarth and with the people of Kirkby, we are pleased to hear he has now thrown his weight behind the scheme.
“I believe he has been impressed by the wide range of benefits which will be on offer from what we believe will prove to a very fruitful relationship between the people of Kirkby, Everton Football Club and Everton in the Community.
“Like Mr Howarth, we are con-cerned about the long-term ramific-ations of a Government 'call-in'.”
He said the club “remained confi-dent” the scheme would be given the go-ahead, despite opponents
Ian Morris, of Kirkby Residents Action Group, said: “Throughout his career as an MP, he has consistently failed to listen to people in Kirkby, so this letter comes as no surprise.
“The vast majority of residents are against the development while it includes a football stadium. I think this could prompt more people to vote against Labour next week .”
Mr Howarth said: “There are big divisions among residents, but in the last few weeks issues like jobs and housing have tipped the balance in favour of it. I don’t think every-thing is perfect, but there is a stronger commitment from Tesco. A reassurance was its decision to buy the existing town centre. They won’t let £60m investment go to rot.”
Mr Howarth added: “Kirkby now faces a choice. We can leave the town to stagnate with no realistic prospect of any major regeneration for the foreseeable future.
“Alternatively, we can choose progress and a new, modern, successful town. I choose progress.”
Last year, Mr Howarth said he would ask for the scheme to be called in if his concerns about traffic, anti-social behaviour and housing were not addressed.
He now feels Knowsley council should make the final decision whether the stadium and shops should be built.
Apr 25 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post
EVERTON FC chief executive Keith Wyness last night admitted he was concerned about the long-term ramifications of the club’s proposed move to Kirkby if the Government launched an inquiry.
It came as Wyness welcomed the intervention of Knowsley MP George Howarth, who yesterday finally gave his support to the proposed £400m scheme that would include a Tesco superstore.
In a letter to constituents, Mr Howarth said he would “choose progress” after Tesco made commitments which he believes will “bring real benefits to local people”.
This week, the Liverpool Daily Post reported a government official saying the scheme was likely to be “called in” for an inquiry because of the huge amount of retail it has.
Yesterday, Mr Howarth also said he would not ask the Government to call in the scheme for a public inquiry as it would “leave Kirkby in limbo for at least a year” and “even jeopardise the project”.
Tesco’s pledge to create 700 jobs, spend £10m on roads and parking improvements and a possible new police station and health centre, had convinced him to back the scheme.
Last night, Mr Wyness said: “Hav- ing spent a considerable amount of time discussing the 'Destination Kirkby' project with Mr Howarth and with the people of Kirkby, we are pleased to hear he has now thrown his weight behind the scheme.
“I believe he has been impressed by the wide range of benefits which will be on offer from what we believe will prove to a very fruitful relationship between the people of Kirkby, Everton Football Club and Everton in the Community.
“Like Mr Howarth, we are con-cerned about the long-term ramific-ations of a Government 'call-in'.”
He said the club “remained confi-dent” the scheme would be given the go-ahead, despite opponents
Ian Morris, of Kirkby Residents Action Group, said: “Throughout his career as an MP, he has consistently failed to listen to people in Kirkby, so this letter comes as no surprise.
“The vast majority of residents are against the development while it includes a football stadium. I think this could prompt more people to vote against Labour next week .”
Mr Howarth said: “There are big divisions among residents, but in the last few weeks issues like jobs and housing have tipped the balance in favour of it. I don’t think every-thing is perfect, but there is a stronger commitment from Tesco. A reassurance was its decision to buy the existing town centre. They won’t let £60m investment go to rot.”
Mr Howarth added: “Kirkby now faces a choice. We can leave the town to stagnate with no realistic prospect of any major regeneration for the foreseeable future.
“Alternatively, we can choose progress and a new, modern, successful town. I choose progress.”
Last year, Mr Howarth said he would ask for the scheme to be called in if his concerns about traffic, anti-social behaviour and housing were not addressed.
He now feels Knowsley council should make the final decision whether the stadium and shops should be built.
