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Day
7 - Thursday 27th November 2008
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Day seven began with a new name and face in Graham Tulley who
is a Town Planner. He presented a report stating the Knowsley
was the eighth most deprived area of the country, and within the
Borough, Kirkby being one of the most affected areas. Patrick
Clarkson (QC For Tesco) questioned Graham who emphasised the fact
the incomes were low, health was poor, and educational attainment
was below the National average. Crime levels as a result were
above the National levels, so well played Graham, tell us something
we don't already know. I bet you won't be drinking in Kirkby tonight,
I am sure your comments have gone down like the Graf Zeppelin
locally.
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On
the flip side though Graham stated that no great investment has
been seen in the area since the 1970's, and the local authorities
planning policies have strived to bring new investment to the
Borough. Graham believes that Tesco's investment (and the Blues
Ground) was a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity for the Town, and
overnight the Blues Stadium will change the country's perception
of the Town of Kirkby, and re-energise the local economy.
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Graham
stated that 2,763 new jobs would be created, but did not go onto
say, what jobs would be construction, or part time retail jobs,
or what jobs would be for local people. A annual spend new to
the area would increase by £13.5m big ones, with 1.23 million
new visitors being drawn into the area, with the Retail development
and the Football Ground.
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Stephen Sauvain QC (Opposing) gave Graham a tougher time with
a few more pertinent questions, questioning some of his evidence.
Stephen attacked Grahams evidence that claimed retail had been
used before to pump prime stadia. He used the example of the Millennium,
Eastlands and the Emirates but Stephen Sauvain QC reminded him
that they were not retail led. When Graham insisted that they
brought regeneration to the respective areas, it was put to him
that Eastlands in Manchester hadn't.
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The
Reverend Tim was back on his feet (and he is loving the fight)
asking Graham how a football stadium could reduce crime. Poor
old Graham was stumped, and could not answer how Goodison Park
in Walton had a positive effect on reducing crime, so in turn
Everton in Kirkby having a positive effect to the area.
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Poor old Graham, his day started well, but after Stephen the QC,
and Reverend Tim, he now had to cope with Barrister Roger Lancaster.
Roger pushed him on several points, and one in particular of how
a football Ground in a given area could enhance Residents quality
of life. After several times pressing the point, Graham answered
that the jobs created would enhance their lives. Quick as a flash
Roger asked him whether a study had been done regarding local
people getting the said jobs. This he could not answer. It was
a tough day for Graham, but I doubt he had a bevvy in Kirkby,
as after all in Grahams world its a rough tough place.
Day
Eight to Follow......................
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