WALTON MP Peter Kilfoyle dismissed Everton FC’s financial importance to his ward as “comic book economics”, a public inquiry heard yesterday.

The revelation came during the cross examination of Everton’s chief executive Robert Elstone.

Mr Elstone followed series of Tesco witnesses who have described the club as a major means of bringing regeneration and civic pride to Kirkby and also an important part of Walton’s make up.

But John Fleming, of Kirkby Residents Action Group (Krag), produced a letter from the Walton MP to Secretary of State Hazel Blears posted ahead of the call in decision.

In it Mr Kilfoyle said: “Arguments of regeneration are misleading in relation to Everton’s place in my constituency.

“It’s presence has arguably been an inhibiting factor in attempts to regenerate the area.

“(Liverpool) councillors have said there would be a hole left in the local (Walton) economy if Everton’s £51m turnover was relocated to Kirkby.

“This is comic book economics.

“Everton’s turnover has virtually no impact on Walton.”

Mr Fleming went on to ask whether any of Everton in the Community’s projects that Mr Elstone highlighted in his evidence on Tuesday were specific to Walton.

Mr Elstone replied: “No, but I believe that the economic value provided to the local community is a real factor.