THE inquiry into Everton FC and Tesco’s £400m bid to revolutionise Kirkby will get under way again today.

Inspector Wendy Burden has already heard more than four weeks of evidence from Tesco, Everton and Knowsley Council.

Today will mark the approximate half way stage in proceedings in which Knowsley will present more expert evidence before the first of the scheme’s opponents takes the stand.

Despite the length of the inquiry, some 20 to 30 regulars have been taking their places in the public gallery to inspect the fine detail of the plans.

Today will see Knowsley Council’s noise expert provide his views and take cross examination. The Grange Residents Association, a strident opponent, has posed a series of detailed questions to previous witnesses and further probing questions are expected today.

Also expected is a series of simplified tables showing how the current economic downturn might affect “expenditure growth” in the proposed development.

Opponents will attempt to prove the credit crunch is terminal to the scheme but the developers will counter that argument with their claims that it will in fact bring massive regeneration to an area that has been in decline for decades.