Visit the loop and see for yourself

Comments (19)

When Kirkby was first suggested by the club I was excited by the prospect, we were having a consistent season and the talk of the new stadium coupled with state-of-the-art training facilities and academy excited me. In my mind since the start of the Moyes era we have made slow but steady progress, (I know you will point to 17th place but overall we have).

Then came the exclusivity period which I assume was put in place to protect Tesco's interests. We were told there would be a ballot of the fans to see if we would support any proposed move.

My view was pointing towards a yes vote, and then came KEIOC. We were told a significant minority of Evertoinans met to discuss the future of Keeping the club in our city. Bradley announced that he was aware of investors who would be interested and that there would be parcels of land available.

Even the most ardent yes voter would want if possible to stay within the Walton/Everton area or at a push the city centre. But I have to admit that the suggested location of Kirkby just doesn?t cause a problem for me.

I was proud that ordinary Evertonians were undertaking efforts to ensure the survival of our club and there would at least be a counter point to any official line. Even if I decided to cast a yes vote?

Meanwhile the people?s park had been well and truly surrendered by the city to our bastard offspring, the Yanks invaded with plans to annex the park as a 51st state, making the possibility of keeping Everton in the Walton/ Everton area remote.

Realistically we all know in our hearts that the suggestion that Goodison would be redeveloped was a non-starter. Yes it could be, we?ve known that since the GFE plans, but we knew it would not be deliverable (to use bullyspeak).

I don?t propose to go over where my view of the KEIOC group soured, we all know it and they know too where they have gone wrong yet they, with Bradley's assistance, lead us to believe that there is a site, a holy grail if you will, and presented to us the Scotty Road Bestway/loop. KEIOC have championed this site with a passion whilst still beating the redevelopment drum.

Not only that but they a held a public consultation which I attended. It became clear to me from the consultation that redevelopment was still the preferred option, but was told the proposal would fit on the loop. We were then informed that Bestway wanted to do their own design and that that was going to be delivered shortly.

I listened to Radio Merseyside last night and in my view James Barton was the only one who made any sense, Bully did what he is paid to do ,and the No point of view did them selves no favours with the emotive anti board spin (in my opinion).

Even at this point the NO campaign had still not convinced me that plan B (redevelopment) or C (loop) are deliverable.

And then it hit me, today landed with a thud through the letter box an envelope from the electoral reform services. This is it no more hiding behind internet message boards, can?t put it off any longer have to make a decision. I?m still leaning to a yes vote I have read the clubs brochure and the KEIOC/GFE update what else can I do?

And then it hit me go to the loop. I?m in Liverpool, the loop's in Liverpool, so tonight I jumped in the car and went to the loop, made my way over the drawbridge single entrance and formed my own view of plan C. My only points of reference are Anfield, Goodison, Maine road, Eastland?s, Millennium stadium and Old Trafford.

I was able to drive right round the site and it immediately struck me that we would struggle to fit Goodison in and have sufficient room to breathe if leisure/ other business was also part of the development. On-site parking would have to be abandoned and any future expansion would have to be at the expense of the on-site leisure developments. I know of no stadium in the country that has under-pitch parking and I know how we like our firsts but can't see that happening.

I would urge those who are pinning their hopes on the loop as a credible alternative take some time and visit the site before you vote. It may not change your view but has to be better than a wide angle aerial shot of the site.

The ballot paper doesn?t have to be in until 23/08/2007 and I would urge you to take some time to consider your vote before it is cast however you end up voting.

Finally I would again urge for calm on Saturday, you may disagree with alternative views however we are all Evertonians and Saturday should be about what happens on the pitch

Come on you blues
Chris Taggart, Speke     Posted 07/08/2007 at 20:49:39

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