Local sports teams rally for new City stadium

City's bid for a new stadium a stones throw away from Ashton Gate has received a boost, with several local sports clubs now promoting the cause.

Bristol Rugby, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and Cheltenham Town have this week joined Bath City, Swindon Town and a host of local sports people in throwing their weight behind the campaign to build a new 32,000 all-seater stadium at Ashton Vale.

The campaign - which was held up last month by 22 local residents and an independent inspector who are trying to declare the 42-acre former landfill site as a village green - now boasts over 10,000 names on an e-petition, 12,000 fans on Facebook and 7,000 signatures.

City Chief Executive Colin Sexstone told bcfc.co.uk: "The important issue here is that it is not just Bristol City supporters who have got behind the campaign, although their response has been unequivocal.

"We have had support from everyone in the community - from fans of other sporting clubs to non-football fans, business leaders to community spokesmen.

"We will be working hard to generate further support to create an overwhelming message that is truly A City United behind making one vision happen - a new word-class stadium for the region and its community."

Whilst the majority of the region's sporting fraternity are rallying together for the same cause, there was still no sign of Bristol Rovers showing their support.

The Gas have remained silent on the issue, even though the City of Bristol would benefit from millions of pounds of investment and thousands of jobs.

Having been knocked back by Bristol City Council before, you would think they would be behind the City's plans as it would surely aid their bid for stadium redevelopment in the future.

If you haven't already added your name to the e-petition, feel free to do so here.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.