First Hargreaves kicks off about having to pay taxes on his excessive earnings.

Now it’s Lansdown’s turn to hold a gun to the council’s head to get his own way over the new stadium.

If he’s that keen, he could build it in his back garden and pay for it.  Don’t expect the residents to agree to Tesco building another supermarket we don’t need

The council should follow the correct procedures and take as long as it takes.

His talk of 1,000 jobs is pie in the sky. Most would only be short term,  the same as building houses.

Perhaps the residents of Ashton/Bedminster should set up a residents’ group to oppose everything in the same way as the people of Horfield.

A disgruntled hardworking 

local resident.

WITH regard to the eventual sale of the old Ashton Gate ground,  I was under the impression there was a shortage of affordable housing in  south Bristol; hence the threatened march into the green belt.

   I hope Bristol City Council weighs up the priorities when the time comes to sanction the ground’s change of use. A further supermarket would add considerable traffic to the Cumberland Basin and Ashton Gate road network,  and with other supermarkets already in close proximity,  the local shops in Ashton would undoubtedly suffer.

If Mr Lansdown had any conscience,  he would sell the old ground for housing and fund the difference. He could then call it the “Lansdown Arena”.

Ken Simmons, 

Long Ashton.

THE over-development of commercial premises has caused the traffic problems in the Winter- stoke Road area.

 Tesco superstore on the Bristol City Soccer Club site would add to the traffic troubles and, of course, affect the traders and residents of the area.

The Ashton Gate site should be used for housing, but I can understand City owner Steve Lansdown wanting to sell to the highest bidder,  as the new home for the football will not come cheap.

Sadly for the local residents and traders,  Bristol City Council does not have a good track record when faced with making tricky decisions.

 The lunatic decision to allow the redevelopment of the Memorial Ground does not inspire me to believe it will not allow a Tesco store at ‘The Gate’.

If anyone thinks a   Tesco store adds to the community,  they can have a look at nearby Nailsea where many shops have closed,  thanks to Tory-controlled North Somerset Council welcoming Tesco.

Dennis Franklin,

Wraxall,

North Somerset.

NOW we have a council with overall control,  perhaps  we can move forward with the proposed new stadium and, as the council leader says, promote Bristol onto the European and world stage.

I understand some people have fears of the effect a new store will have on North Street, but in my opinion,  that area is very strong in its diversity and would continue to flourish. Indeed I envisage a lot of trade coming from the A4 Portway area, which is poorly served for supermarkets and could possibly bring new customers to the area. I note some people from the Long Ashton area are concerned about the possible impact on their village of the new stadium.

 Other than the view of the stadium on the horizon over the bypass I fail to see how the impact can be any different than at present. Even with the possible increase to 42,000 for World Cup matches.

This figure still doesn’t reach the previous capacity of the existing ground. And I can’t see people diverting through Long Ashton anymore than they have in the past to attend football matches.

 

This facility will be great for supporters of sport in general, not just Bristol City, and will give a major boost to south Bristol which for too long has been overlooked in  favour of the north side when it comes to investment in property and people. Let’s get it built.

Richard Lane,

address supplied.

I SUSPECT the letter from Mr T Clements is in line for a few responses for his comments “council money talks”.

You only had to read the first paragraph to have an inkling that Mr Clements was on the blue side of town.  As a proud Bristolian, I hope he is right when he says  the proposed new Ashton Gate stadium is a done deal because it will benefit everyone in the area and not just City fans.  It is time  the council  came up with the goods as we, the general public, have been let down so often in the past.

Yes, a new stadium will generate money, but money for Bristol. Yes a new stadium will be good for the football club, but also for  other people wanting more entertainment and better facilities to enjoy their concerts etc. As for the comments regarding attendance, Bristol City can fill their current ground when things are going well (like Rovers).  You only have to look at small town clubs like Reading and Wigan (who used to have gates of 3-4,000) who have benefited from new stadiums.

With a city the size of Bristol, the boys in red are far better equipped to succeed than many others. Good on you,  Mr Lansdown. Keep dreaming for all Bristolians, including those who suffer from tunnel vision.

Mike Felton,

Bristol.