Everton FC move: Local opposition continues to grow

Feb 2 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

DETERMINED Kirkby residents have voted overwhelmingly to select independent candidates to oppose any local councillor in favour of Everton and Tesco’s move to the town.

An estimated 350 people packed Holy Angels Church to support the latest move by Knowsley Residents Action Group.

Of the 200 who filled in the ballot papers, 196 supported the motion to put forward residents in opposition to the sitting candidates.

The Rev Tim Stafford, who chaired the meeting, encouraged residents to put their head above the parapet and volunteer.

He said: “This signifies a huge change for local politics. The council has allowed the planning stage to start before the change of use has even been agreed and we need to object.”

Campaign leader Ian Morris said: “Every time I see a room like this, it tells me we’re doing what the residents of Kirkby want.”

He mocked Everton’s transport plans, earning laughter when he said it included provision for 1,000 cyclists to come to the matches.

“They say their park and ride scheme and rail links will work but we will still have gridlock when games are on.”