Liverpool Council leader Warren Bradley says local authority bent over backwards to accomodate Everton FC in city

LIVERPOOL Council leader Warren Bradley last night said he had “bent over backwards” to help Everton FC remain in the city.

He said prior to his leadership the club had been offered the Kings Dock site for a stadium, but the club could not afford it.

“Following that, we explored realistic options for sites.

“But it was the way they wanted to fund the development that was the stumbling block.

“They wanted to use a huge amount of retail, which is simply a non-starter in a big city because of the damage to neighbouring shopping areas.

“Government rules simply don’t allow it and it would have been thrown out by planners.

“Instead, we advised them to look at alternative ways in which they could develop a site, such as raising funds through a share rights issue or using a greater mixed use scheme.

“They either could not or would not do that, and so decided to pursue the Destination Kirkby scheme.“

He said he had also tried, but failed, to broker a ground share between Liverpool FC and Everton FC.

FOR the full text of Cllr Bradley’s response, visit David Bartlett’s blog - click here