Sefton Council has hit back after "doctored" leaflets have been circulated over the controversial "masterplan" to transform Orrell Mount Park into 3G football pitches.
The Council claims that these leaflets along with other documents have been posted to residents in Bootle that are "seeking to influence the outcome of the consultation" by misleading residents. The plans have been met with resistance from local neighbours who believe the installation of the 3G football pitches will lead to a lack of green space in the area.
The Orrell Mount "masterplan", was released as part of a public consultation to encourage ideas and group thinking. Along with the 3G pitch, the Council plan to install a footpath with benches and bins, a new car parking space for people using the park or pitch, and renovate the pavilion however this will be done after the 3G pitches have been installed.
READ MORE : Photos of controversial park plan backed by Jamie Carragher released
A spokesperson from the Council said: "Doctored leaflets and other documents being circulated that whoever is producing them is seeking to influence the outcome of the consultation by misleading people and, perhaps, trying to discourage them from having their say. This includes telling them how to answer the consultation questions rather than enabling them to express their own views, and including answers they suggest people copy and paste for certain questions."
The consultation was launched by the council in May and will last until Friday 22 July and is being run by FMG Consulting. The plans have been back by ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and if successful will be run by his charity the JC23 Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide a safe place for young and disadvantaged people.
The Council said: "The final masterplan will be dependent on the outcome of the consultation and what people tell us they want, which is exactly why in line with how the Council has redeveloped other parks in the past. The Council has purposefully highlighted that funding is not confirmed for some elements. However, as has happened previously, once we have seen the outcome of the consultation, we will then seek funding to deliver what people have told us they want.
“We would encourage everyone who has a view on the future of Orrell Mount Park to visit www.sefton.gov.uk/orrellmount where they can find authentic information and provide their feedback. Three drop-in sessions about the proposals were held on Thursday 9 June and three more are planned for Monday 11 July.”
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