Hillsborough families encouraged by open disclosure

The hidden Hillsborough disaster files are likely to be released as one all-encompassing dossier.

A panel of experts are currently wading through thousands of previously-unseen documents on the 1989 tragedy.

No timescale has been confirmed for the process although it is thought the committee are working towards a release date in 2012.

So far the families of the 96 Reds fans killed on the Leppings Lane terrace have been encouraged by updates from the panel, headed by the Bishop of Liverpool.

This week they were assured the committee are yet to encounter any confidential papers or be barred any access to particular information.

There are some fears among relatives, who have fought a 21 year campaign for justice, that the two year project could leave them disappointed with suggestions the Government could mark some files as completely restricted.

But that concern now looks it may be unfounded.

A third of the files have been digitised as three archivists and three researchers study the information.

Family groups are regularly meeting with the eight people sitting on the independent disaster committee.

This week, representatives of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign met with the Rt Rev James Jones, who is chairing the panel, and Dr Bill Kirkup, CBE, formerly associate medical director, Department of Health.

During a gathering in Anfield some families who lost loved ones in Liverpool were informed of the committee's progress.

Sheila Coleman, spokesman for the Justice Campaign, said: "It's always good to receive updates as otherwise the families aren't aware what's going on."

The group cancelled a meeting with the experts in the wake of Sports Secretary Jeremy Hunt's slur against the tragedy.

The minister wrongly attributed the semi-final crush to hooligans during a TV interview.

The Hillsborough Family Support Group, who represent the bulk of the 96 families, are set to meet some members of the panel before Christmas.

The papers being studied include those from South Yorkshire Police, the regional fire and ambulance services, Sheffield Wednesday FC and Sheffield council.

Also being scrutinised are files from West Midlands Police, Lord Justice Taylor's public inquiry papers and Lord Justice Stuart Smith's inquiry research.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.