LIVERPOOL City Council last night said it had not opposed Everton FC’s move to Kirkby solely to stop the club leaving the city.

The council took the unusual step of releasing a fact file on the saga, in a move aimed at dispelling criticism since the Government called a public inquiry into the £400m scheme earlier this week.

While the council stressed it did want the Goodison club to stay in the city, it insisted it had only formally objected because of the huge retail development that would be built alongside the 50,000-seater stadium, involving a Tesco superstore and 50 shops.

The statement made clear the council’s door was always open, but while the club was locked into an exclusivity agreement with Tesco and Knowsley Council, only “informal” talks could take place.

Talks between Everton, Tesco and Knowsley are to be held next week to decide a way forward, but the Daily Post understands no talks will take place between the club and Liverpool Council.

Everton have also confirmed that an extraordinary general meeting called by 200 shareholders will take place on Wednesday, September 3 at Goodison.

In a seperate development, former club chief executive Keith Wyness made clear last night he had no intention of breaking his silence since his resignation.

“I have decided not to make a statement – there will be nothing from me for the foreseeable future,” said Mr Wyness.

In a letter sent to Knowsley Council on behalf of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears, it was stated that the project could have significant effects beyond the local area.

Liverpool’s formal objection was based on independent advice from retail consultants stated that the development would put at risk neighbouring retail in district centres.

“In the city council’s view, it is hardly surprising that the Government would wish to scrutinise in detail a scheme on this scale and the impact it will have on developments across the region,” the council stated last night.

The council insisted it had “worked hard over the last few years to help Everton find a new site for a stadium in the city”.

“We developed a scheme with the club and other partners including the Regional Development Agency, English Partnerships and Liverpool Vision at the Kings Dock, which failed because Everton FC were unable to come up with the £30m which would have been their contribution towards the scheme.

“All of the public partners had their funding in place.

“We have identified a number of sites in the city which we believe could be suitable. We are keen to continue discussions with them about sites.

“Unfortunately, Everton FC was unable to secure the necessary finance at that time.

“We are prepared to try again to succeed.”

davidbartlett