A MERSEYSIDE council has removed itself from the bidding war for Everton's new ground by backing two neighbouring authorities' campaigns.
Sefton will urge developers to drop any plans to site the arena on green belt land at Switch Island this week.
Instead, chief executive Graham Haywood will advise them to consider Liverpool and Knowsley's offers to build the 55,000-seater stadium in the city or Kirkby town centre.
In a report to go before Sefton's cabinet on Thursday, Mr Haywood asks councillors for permission to write to developer Peel Holdings, stating the stadium would be "unwelcome".
It follows mass opposition from householders and politicians concerned about the impact on homes and the environment.
In his report, Mr Haywood states: "It appears that both Liverpool and Knowsley councils wish to attract this development and before local and press speculation creates the impression that Sefton council is seeking this development, I believe that we should make our position clear."
He adds: "We would prefer any new stadium to be located within Liverpool or Knowsley council boundaries and believe there are sites available to accommodate this development in both areas that would avoid the loss of high-quality open agricultural land in a very sensitive part of the green belt in Sefton."
Peel Holding has been rumoured to be working on a plan to build Everton a new ground between the M57 and Brewery Lane in Melling. The complex would be likely to contain big-name shops and car parking.
Sefton council leader Cllr Tony Robertson had backed a campaign by residents and parish councillors to stop the development going ahead, saying it would change the character and landscape of rural Melling.
Lib-Dem Cllr Robertson said: "I hope the cabinet approves Mr Haywood's report, but I don't know whether this will encourage Peel Holdings to back off.
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