 FORMER Leader of Liverpool City Council Cllr Mike Storey led the city to victory in the battle for the title of European Capital of Culture 2008. In those glorious moments after Liverpool won, Cllr Storey jubilantly said: "This is like Liverpool winning the Champions League, Everton winning the double and the Beatles reforming all in the same day - and then Steven Spielberg coming to the city to make a Hollywood-blockbuster about it." But, two years on, instead of looking back on his finest hour with satisfaction, Cllr Storey has expressed doubt about whether the city is ready for the big event. Speaking to the Daily Post, he said: "I have concerns on two levels. Firstly, it's about the legacy of Capital of Culture. I don't think we have thought through what our legacy will be from this. "Secondly, I am not sure it's by the people for the people. A lot of highly paid people have been brought in from outside along with advertising and marketing agencies." Cllr Storey added: "It is the people that won it and I think we are in danger of losing sight of that. 2008 is not that far off and people do not know what it will all be about. "I am sure 2008 will be a success. You cannot go wrong with the Tall Ships and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, but there are concerns." Cllr Storey's doubts have been echoed by critics of the Liverpool Culture Company, the organisation responsible for arranging the celebrations in 2008. Many are concerned that the event is just two years away and plans have yet to be announced. And leaders of Liverpool's art world, the hub of culture in the city, have said they feel they are being overlooked. So is everything on track for the year when Liverpool will become Europe's capital of culture? The Daily Post asks, are we doing enough to prepare for 2008? jessicashaughnessy@dailypost.co.uk YES: We have every area covered with the skilled staff >> | 
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