Bristol City meets residents over Sainsbury's development of Ashton Gate

Bristol City Football Club representatives have met residents to discuss Sainsbury's proposed redevelopment of Ashton Gate.

The club sent out approximately 150 letters for residents in the immediate vicinity of the stadium inviting them to last night's meeting at the Tobacco Factory in a bid to address any issues or concerns. But only 13 people attended.

Various issues including the size of the planned store, its effect on local retailers, traffic flow and the proximity of the store to Greville Smyth Park were aired.

The club says it needs funding from the sale of the Ashton Gate site to fund its proposed new £92 million stadium at Ashton Vale but most of the residents who attended the meeting were opposed to the plan.

Diane Jones, of Greville Street, said: "My concerns are the construction staff, the deliveries and the fact the roads are just not adequate for a lot of traffic. It will also have a large impact on retail in North Street.

"You have sewn us up like kippers by signing this agreement with Sainsbury's. There were alternatives but you can't talk about them because you have already signed a contract.

"As big as football is, you need to look at what you are sacrificing for it."

Tess Green, of Fairfield Road, said: "Our shops are the centre of the community. If you don't have local shops a community is weaker and less cohesive. I am concerned this store will lead to the destruction of our shops."

But Jenny Wakenshaw, of Ashton Road, said: "I am prepared to accept that Sainsbury's is going to happen. All I ask is that they don't use Ashton Road as an access way, it is not suitable for the amount of traffic."

Chris Uttley, who was a member of protest group Bedminster Residents Against Tesco Expansion (Berate) before its dissolution, said: "The size of the store is important because it is not going to wash if they come forward with a store that is twice the size of the store they had before. The main thing is not to be greedy."

Development adviser for Bristol City FC, Guy Price, told Mr Uttley the club was not aware yet of the size store Sainsbury's intended to build.

Mr Price said: "We are only aware it is expected to bigger than its current site in Winterstoke Road."

He added that the concerns raised would be reported back to Sainsbury's as they seek to finalise their plans.

The club has sent around 2,500 letters to residents in Southville, Bedminster and Ashton Gate, promising consultation on the plans expected early next year.

The club has arranged a second meeting for traders tomorrow between 6-8pm at the Tobacco Factory's blue room and have said residents are also welcome to attend.