Council leader claims Goodison Park could be condemned in 5 years

Sep 18 2008

KNOWSLEY’S council leader broke his silence today to say why he believes Everton’s proposed move to Kirkby is vital for the club and the town.

Cllr Ron Round is well-known for his dislike of speaking directly to the media, and has so far avoided publicly entering the debate.

But in an exclusive interview  he offered some hard- hitting views to defend the £400m stadium project before November’s public inquiry which will decide its fate.

Cllr Round:

• Criticised Liverpool council for objecting to the plans, and accused the city’s Evertonian party leaders of putting club allegiance above public duty.

• Denied the plans breach the council’s planning policies, saying that was only because “no-one dreamed” a Premiership club would one day choose Kirkby.

• Claimed Goodison Park will be condemned in just five years.

Cllr Round insisted that after three years of hard work and Knowsley council’s unanimous support he is convinced the project is right for Kirkby.

Without Everton, he said, Tesco would build a supermarket and nothing else.

Meanwhile, he said the people of Kirkby suffered “the indignity” of not having a quality shopping centre and had to go to Liverpool or Manchester for decent clothes and decent restaurants.

Cllr Round said: “If I didn’t think this was right for Kirkby I would be the first to stop it.”

The lifelong Liverpool FC fan added: “I was surprised at Liverpool council. If Warren Bradley and Joe Anderson were Reds I think they would have a completely different view.

“Destination Kirkby could bring 1.2 million people into Kirkby annually and generate £13.6m in revenue. But if you share that between the surrounding councils it’s peanuts.

“In my view, you have two political leaders in Liverpool who are not facing up to their responsibilities. I have never allowed my passion for Liverpool FC to influence my decisions.”

Cllr Round said fears of traffic congestion could be dispelled by the M57, dual carriageway and rail stations.

Any anti-social behaviour would be quickly targeted.

The council leader believes the local election defeat of 1st 4 Kirkby, the candidates who stood specifically against the project, proved people did approve of the plans for a 50,000 -eater stadium, superstore, shops, a hotel and offices.

He said: “I think they realise, yes, it’s a football stadium but it will give us what we want.

“Now Blues fans must realise Destination Kirkby is their only option too.”

“So many sections of Goodison Park could be closed in five years, for health and safety reasons that you might not even see a game. Everton just cannot afford the overhaul.”

“No-one is interested in buying it. Destination Kirkby could change all that.”

Cllr Joe Anderson said: “Cllr Round’s passion for this project is affecting his view. I am passionate for Everton Football Club, but above all I’m passionate for this city, and that’s why I’m standing up against this scheme.”

Cllr Warren Bradley said: “Liverpool council’s objections are based around council planning policy issues. It has nothing to do with football.”