MERSEYSIDE MP George Howarth launched a scathing attack on the Government over its refusal to back the £400m plan for Everton FC’s new stadium.

Mr Howarth, whose Knowsley North and Sefton East constituency includes Kirkby, threatened to withdraw his support for the Government unless the issue is resolved.

The former minister said Communities Secretary John Denham had turned down the chance to pump money into one of England’s most deprived areas.

In the Commons, Mr Howarth said: “He has turned down £400m worth of private sector investment into Kirkby in my constituency.

“Kirkby . . . is one of the most deprived towns in Britain. And frankly I am astonished that the Government could turn away £400m of investment in a town that desperately needs regeneration, a town that still needs investment in jobs and it would have produced thousands of jobs.”

The council and local residents were “very bitter” at Mr Denham’s actions, he said, before suggesting a possible way back.

“I’m calling today for the Government to work with myself, Knowsley Council, Tesco and Everton Football Club . . . to see if a new application, maybe slightly scaled down, can be fast-tracked and put before the Secretary of State so that the regeneration of Kirkby and the number of jobs that we need can be delivered.”