Comment: Speedy action on EFC stadium public inquiry must be praised

Aug 19 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

IT IS hard to over-estimate the importance of last night’s announcement regarding the public inquiry for Kirkby.

This is one instance where no one could accuse the Government of dragging its feet; less than a fortnight after it announced the £400m scheme would be called in, a November date has been set for the hearing.

The joint £400m bid by Everton FC and Tesco to build a stadium and superstore in the town has attracted much debate but one thing has always been certain – the vital importance that the scheme be scrutinised at the earliest available date.

The fear was always that this ambitious proposal would wither on the vine through inaction and inertia; the latest announcement now means that Destination Kirkby has been given a fair chance.

Even if it is ultimately rejected by the inspector, both supporters and objectors to the proposal will be able to contest the issue in public, with an impartial and open-minded official making the final ruling. No one could ask for more than that.

Our medal marvel

THE successes of Britain’s Olympians in Beijing are very impressive, and it’s wonderful to see the region so well represented.

Liverpool’s boxing sensation David Price is the latest addition to the roll of honour; he is assured of a medal after his Lithuanian opponent in the second round retired hurt after taking an early pounding. We wish him well in his quest for Gold.

Meanwhile, Beth Tweddle – who trains at the highly-praised Park Road centre under the watchful eye of Amanda Kirby – narrowly missed out on winning an- other British gymnastics medal, secur- ing fourth place in the uneven bars final.

And congratulations to Liverpool council and John Moores University who have, respectively, helped these young champions achieve their dreams. Their support and visionary approach to nurturing the superstars of the future have certainly contributed to Britain’s Olympic prowess in 2008.