Residents' Group

A residents' group is to be established in Kirkby by Everton and Tesco regarding the planned stadium development.

The two organisations are forming liaison meetings to provide answers and insight to residents concerning the £400m project which will include a major retail development as well as the new stadium.

The plans for the development have been submitted to Knowsley Council - with a decision expected in the early summer.

The residents' group will see 20 representatives from community groups invited to attend and has the backing of local councillors.

The meetings will be held in private, with the details of the discussions published afterwards.

Ian Ross, Everton's head of public relations, said: “We have been discussing the project with the residents of Kirkby on an informal basis for some considerable time now, but the formation of this liaison group will further improve lines of communication.”

Michael Kissman, Tesco’s corporate affairs manager, said: “We see it as essential that community groups and residents are involved in the development of this scheme.

”Both Tesco and Everton are keen to demonstrate our commitment to Kirkby – that is why we are eager to set up this group. We hope the feedback it produces will be very positive.”