'Sloppy' study has damaged Kirkby's image, Everton stadium inquiry told
Jan 24 2009 Richard Down
EFC Stadium, design, Kirkby 11 _200
EVERTON FC and Tesco have exaggerated how bad Kirkby is, using a “sloppy” analysis that has damaged the town’s image, it was claimed at an inquiry yesterday.
The Rev Tim Stratford, a doctor of socio-economics and a strident opponent of Destination Kirkby, also criticised Knowsley Council’s consultation process which he said was deeply flawed.
Dr Stratford, chairman of Kirkby Residents Action Group (KRAG), said: “Those proposing this development have made much of levels of deprivation in Kirkby in order to demonstrate ‘need’.
“This has led to a consequential exaggeration which damages the town’s image, is a direct cause of degeneration and makes their claims for the development appear greater but, on investigation, less credible.”
He questioned the notion that Kirkby was in decline – which underpins the case that Everton and Tesco’s plans will regenerate the town.
He said: “They simply provided a snapshot. It must be emphasised that a decline can only be described over time.
“No figures are provided to demonstrate this.”
He used a comparison of the Index of Multiple Deprivation between 2004 and 2007 to show Kirkby was not in decline. Church of England figures, approved by the Privy Council, also appear to demonstrate Kirkby was better off than the neighbouring Diocese of Liverpool, he argued.
He said: “The heavy hand of pressure to make the development happen without first listening to either the organised community or the community at large and the talking down of Kirkby are all likely to create a cycle of decline.”
He went on to unpick the idea that a stadium necessarily brings regeneration by using Coventry City FC’s new Ricoh stadium as a case study.#
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