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	One Small Step - One Giant Leap For Bluekind.
Posted by	Written by Les D on 19 Nov : 08:50
Article	The Stadium Inquiry began today in Kirkby's Civic Suite -- here's my breakdown -- nervous? Not yet. Mr Patrick Clarkson QC representing the Applicants for the development, cited the fact the life expectancy in Kirkby is almost three years below the national average for men and women and that it is one of the most deprived boroughs in the country. "Kirkby and Everton have never before reached this stage of deliverability. It is a once in a generation opportunity for Kirkby. There is no alternative that can deliver this combination. The need for Everton to move is chronic. The stadium will be a landmark in the area, designed to meet all the fundamental requirements of a football club playing at the highest level. The quality of the design is befitting the standards of the Club. Where the Club locates is a matter for the Club and it should be a sustainable location." Hm, life expectancy is 3 years below the natonal average for men and women and is one of the most deprived boroughs in the country. So, EFC (if they move) will improve residents of Kirkbys' impoverished standard of life. Hm (again). Okay, I'm no barrister or social historian but is Kirkby urban or rural? This (immediately below) is my reason for asking : Quoted from an EFC book Much of the proud civic architecture that adorns the city of Liverpool dates from the middle 50 years of the nineteenth century [ 1825-1875 ], when Liverpool was at the height of its wealth and influence. Taking a lead from a host of mid-century governmental investigations into the industrial living conditions and the plight of the urban poor, public parks were increasingly seen as an antidote to the filth and smog of Britain's cities. The country's first - Birkenhead Park - was opened to the public in 1844, and Sefton Park followed at the end of the 1860's. In 1870 the hundred acres of Stanley Park were opened, the land acquired at a cost of £140,000. In 1883, a declaration was circulated among Liverpool's well-to-do : Allow us to introduce to your notice the position attained by above named organization [ Everton Football Club ] and to solicit your most valued sympathy and support. Established in 1879, it has gradually improved in strength and importance, until it now occupies a position second to none in the district; nor do its claims to consideration rest here, for as the club has, season by season, grown in strength, its effect upon the public has been both marked and encouraging, so much so, that at any of its important fixtures there are large gatherings of persons numbering 500 to 2,000 seeking the Saturday afternoon's recreation which the public parks are intended to provide for. In order to popularize the game we are this year playing a number of clubs of considerable renown from long distances. Now, all this was before Jack The Ripper got his rocks off and, if all that is supposed to happen (for EFC & the other shower) does happen -- a large chunk of Stanley Park will be savaged by the red dominion, with their existing home having the grass/turf lost forever. Allied to this, if EFC relocate to Kirkby, very much of the same will happen -- the existing Kirkby open green-space will be confined to space for a football pitch surrounded by steel & concrete. EFC's old home will murder itself from a football field to what? More concrete & steel? Hm (number 3), Mr Patrick Clarkson QC, what do you say to that -- my learned friend. Back to this morning's Stadium Inquiry. Mr Martin Kingston QC, representing Knowsley Borough Council, said, "The problems that persist in Kirkby are, quite literally, from the cradle to the grave. There exists in these proposals the opportunity to break the cycle of depravation. There are elements of risk that are attached, but they are far outweighed by the undeniable fact this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Skelmersdale's regeneration needs are not as acute or chronic as those in Kirkby. There is no doubt that Everton is an important economic driver for Liverpool and it makes an important contribution to the image of the region in a positive way. The Club needs a new ground in order to continue to make a positive economic contribution and in terms of image. There is no suitable location for a new ground anywhere else." Yes but Mr.Kingston, apporoximately 5 generations of Evertonians are having their ancestorial home relocated from the hub of the city -- is that not creating a 'new' depravation to present to inner-city Evertonians. Regarding Tesco -- dig this for a title: Mr Roger Lancaster, who represents the Combined Authorities Objectors of Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, West Lancashire District Council and St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council, said; A smaller development (than the current one proposed by Tesco) would provide the necessary boost to the town and not impinge on other centres. He pointed out that West Lancs Council was very concerned by high vacancy rates in Skelmersdale's town centre stores - an issue that would be intensified by the application. "Knowsley do not suggest (a development) in Skelmersdale is going to damage their scheme. We suggest the Knowsley scheme will condemn the Skelmersdale bill. Five neighbouring planning authorities are at odds with the size of the proposal". Sheesh!! How big is this monster -- Manchester City Council will be getting involved for a piece of this North-West pie before too long. Tony Barton of the Kirkby Residents Action Group, said, "We're in support of progress, but not at any price. Any progress should be for the benefit of Kirkby people and not for big business. This development will have a detrimental impact on every resident in Kirkby, with every road in the town blocked on every match-day and match-night." It is a monster!!! Mr.Peter Fisher of the Knowsley Constituency Liberal Democrats, questioned the likelihood of 14,000 matchgoers utilising the proposed park-and-ride and park-and-walk services. He also suggested there was no evidence to suggest Everton had the fanbase to fill a 50,000 stadium based on average attendances last season and this. Hm (number 4), we're not a monster, Godzilla -- we're only a baby monster, Goodisonzilla. And finally (on the day), Dave Kelly, of Keep Everton in our City, questioned the legitimacy of any exclusivity agreement between Everton, Tesco and Knowsley BC, questioned the legitimacy of Everton's ballot of fans over the stadium proposal and claimed KEIOC could prove many of 35 potential stadium sites in the Liverpool City Council area ticked the necessary boxes for a possible new home for the Club. Ooh, so there are many other sites in the City of Liverpool Council area that tick the necessary boxes for a possible new home for Everton Football Club. Goodison -- we may have a problem.
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COMLAN_99

One Small Step - One Giant Leap For Bluekind. timloid 20 Nov : 06:53 COMLAN_326
COMLAN_99: 4 COMLAN_145 17 May : 05:59	All other sites I've heard of require the one thing we don't appear to possess. Sufficient money to buy. COMLAN_313: Stockport

Re: One Small Step - One Giant Leap For Bluekind. Si 20 Nov : 09:09 COMLAN_326

COMLAN_99: 84

so would you suggest the current board buy what "they" can afford, or wait for someone to come along with more ambition and more money? or just more clue of how to raise up to £218m that Morgan Stanley claim a scheme of theirs could raise for the club?

COMLAN_313: My pad in Sevvy Park lad

I’ve been on the pitch when a team-mate has been on the receiving end of stick from the terraces and it does distract you. It makes you feel uncomfortable and it has a negative impact on performances, when one of your mates is being barracked, it’s hard to focus on the job in hand.

One Small Step - One Giant Leap For Bluekind. timloid 20 Nov : 12:31 COMLAN_326

COMLAN_99: 4

COMLAN_145 17 May : 05:59

I have followed this club for more years than I care to think back on. I want them to continue in the top flight where they deserve to be. In Kirby, they will remain in the Premier League and I stress, in my opiniom and I repeat it is only MY opinion, we are much more likely to be bought by a moneybags. I just feel very sure, remaining where we are, will mean relegation to the Champiuonship in a few years time.

All the words from the KEIOC supporters never explain how else we can get that much needed new Stadium. I hear that this learned body and that support their opinions but they never produce anything in black and white

COMLAN_313: Stockport

One Small Step - One Giant Leap For Bluekind. Si 20 Nov : 13:36 COMLAN_326

COMLAN_99: 84

not "never produce anything in black and white" - more brightly coloured powerpoint presentations unfortunately for you....

Can you explain why Everton will be relegated if we don't move to Kirkby?

Do bear in mind that out of the last 15 years, Everton's best league positions have come in the last four - hardly the start of a decline towards the Premiership, I'm sure you'll agree

Now, about funding - if Everton can find £80m for Kirkby, then that only really leaves a further £100m to find from elsewhere.

Morgan Stanley (who are a big bank, Tim) have told KEIOC (and Everton before them) that they believe that their incredibly successful (so successful they have actually copyrighted the idea) can raise up to £220m for an Everton stadium "in the right location within Liverpool"

That's without the £80m Everton reckon they can already get

Just as a helping hand for you, the scheme Morgan Stanley propose is one that The FA used to pay their contribution to building Wembley Stadium - so it has worked in the past.

There you go then anyway. That is where the money comes from. The text on this website is in black type, and on a white background - so I think I've fulfilled your requirements of the plan being written in black and white.

Incidently, Everton have failed to provide evidence to the Public Inquiry into the proposed move to Kirkby on how they intend to raise that £80m they need. They have never once provided a detailed break-down of where that money will come from. Yet you expect KEIOC to provide penny-by-penny analysis of how a stadium would be paid for?

COMLAN_313: My pad in Sevvy Park lad

One Small Step - One Giant Leap For Bluekind. timloid 21 Nov : 05:04 COMLAN_326

COMLAN_99: 4

COMLAN_145 17 May : 05:59

Wow! A personal reply from no less an authority than you Si. Singularly blessed am I.

I am a simple soul and somehow cannot believe, that if these things are so simple of explanation to you, Si, that none of the experts at the Everton Board's disposal have ever considered them.

If Kirby is such a potential disaster , I hasten to add that I cannot be certain myself one way or the other, why the Board and their expert advisers persist in going down that route when other much more attractive options are open to them. Doesn't make sense to me. Does it really do so to you?

COMLAN_313: Stockport

Re: One Small Step - One Giant Leap For Bluekind. Si 21 Nov : 05:29 COMLAN_326

COMLAN_99: 84

I think you've got me mixed up with owners of other websites Tim. I regularly post on the comments area and our forums, taking part in the interactive areas of my own site is something I enjoy - I've had exchanges with you in the past on the forums, so quite why you think you're blessed to get a reply is pretty odd....unless it was an attempt at a veiled insult?

I gave you the examples of how Everton could pay for a stadium within Liverpool, as you requested, but surprise surprise you instantly denounce them as impossible because the club aren't doing it.

Maybe you should get yourself along to Goodison once in a while Tim, and have a look at some of the things employees of the club continue persuing that a already a disaster - the "Kick for the Caribbean" competition is a prime example of the idiots at the club replacing something everyone enjoyed (Hit the Bar) with something no-one likes.

Kirkby (it's got a "b" in it, for future reference) is just that idea on a bigger scale when talking about "mistakes employees of Everton Football Club make"

COMLAN_313: My pad in Sevvy Park lad

COMLAN_6 COMLAN_321 COMLAN_322

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