Bristol City's new Ashton Gate plans: full statement from Mayor Ferguson

Responding to the announcement, the Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson has issued this statement:

This is tremendous news and a ‘winwin’ for all concerned. This announcement should be welcomed by City fans and the wider Ashton community alike. Hopefully all can now unite behind this fine new stadium for Bristol.

We must now pull out all the stops to work closely with the club to take these plans through planning so that this long-running issue can be resolved once and for all whatever the outcome of the Ashton Vale legal process. The threat of the massive new supermarket and petrol filling station will be lifted and hopefully Ashton Vale residents will be able to drop their legal proceedings when planning is granted.

City supporters can celebrate that they will be able to stay intheir historic home of Ashton Gate, and raise a glass to their future success in a bigger and better Wedlock’s!

I shall also back the club in their desire for a new Ashton Gate railway station to coincide with the development which will provide a major public transport boost for this whole area and give easy access to Bristol’s premier conference and exhibition centre from all stops from Temple Meads and eventually from Portishead.

This represents a huge boost to the regeneration of South Bristol, bringing crucial jobs and investment to the city. What better prize could I expect in my first three months as mayor?