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So one of the most emotive issues in Everton's proud proud history is drawing to a close. Destination Kirkby had split the Blues faithful right down the middle.

We would not have just been leaving Goodiosn Park our home for over a 100 years, but also the City of Liverpool. For some that was a bridge too far, with the Blues being the first Club in our historic City.

Below are some of the comments from the main players in this long drawn out saga. As ever you can add yours by mailing Bluekipper.

* Dave Kelly KEIOC Spokesman says: "Today’s decision should be looked on as a positive; we have been saved from the road to continued mediocrity. After a period of calm reflection we hope we can move forward together. In the near future we hope to release details of our involvement in an innovative scheme, which will see the city of Liverpool in its rightful place, at the pinnacle of world football.”

* Bobby Elstone Everton's CEO says: "Obviously, we are all bitterly disappointed with the decision as we felt that – along with our two partners – we had compiled and presented a most compelling case for the Destination Kirby project.

We said all along that we not only believed the project to be deliverable but that it would have proved to be hugely beneficial for both Everton Football Club and the people of Knowsley.”

We will now regroup and carefully consider the options which are open to us. I feel I must stress that we do remain totally committed to finding a new home for our football club. The hunt for that new home will now intensify.“

* Ian Morris, of the KRAG says: "That is brilliant, it is fantastic news. The club have a major problem with no new stadium and will have to look at redeveloping Goodison. But our campaign was never about football, but the town we live in.

We believe the football stadium would have destroyed our town. Kirkby is only a small town and they were talking about a 55,000-seater stadium built right in the town with a huge retail development which we thought was inappropriate. It would have had a major negative effect on the retailers working in the existing town centre. The stadium would have disrupted everybody's lives every time there was a football match."

* Cllr Ron Round says: "We are sorely disappointed with the decision made by the Secretary of State which means that this important regeneration scheme will not go ahead.

This development would have resulted in many thousands of jobs being created, alongside a range of new facilities and investment coming into the borough.

We are currently digesting the detail of the decision note and will in the coming weeks be looking at a way forward for the town. I am sure that many people will share my disappointment but I would like to reassure the residents of Kirkby that they will not be forgotten. We have very much appreciated their cooperation and patience throughout this process and we will continue to work tirelessly in our quest to seek out other investment opportunities for the town.”

* Tesco Dude says: "We are disappointed with the decision. These were exciting plans that we believed would have changed Kirkby and the surrounding region for the better following our investment, jobs and associated development.

We remain committed to bringing forward a new scheme in Kirkby. We will now review this decision to understand the reasons for refusal and work with our partners, Everton and Knowsley Council, to discuss a way forward.”

MORE COMMENTS WILL APPEAR AS SOON AS THEY REACH BLUEKIPPER

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