It's time to put Bristol on the sporting map, says Hendy

Lifelong Bristol City fan Miles Hendy believes councillors have a "heaven-sent" opportunity to put the region on the sporting map when they meet to consider plans for a new stadium at Ashton Vale.

Hendy will address members of the council's Development Control Committee at a public meeting tonight and urge them to accept the football club's £65 million scheme, which will involve moving from Ashton Gate, their home of more than 100 years.

Vice-chairman of the Bristol City Supporters Trust and an Ashton Gate season-ticket holder, Hendy insisted councillors have it within their power to take the biggest step in Bristol sport in his lifetime.

He said: "I don't think you can under-estimate the potential impact their decision will have. This is a pivotal moment for the city of Bristol.

"I am a 40-year-old football fan in Bristol, who has had to grow up with others who support the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool because they have not been made enthusiastic about the teams on their doorstep.

"We need to make those people enthusiastic, just like Hull City, Stoke and others have done, and you do that by giving them modern facilities they can enjoy and be proud of.

"If this plan gets the go-ahead, it will be one of the biggest steps forward taken by Bristol in my lifetime.

"Bristol is a wonderful city and I love it to bits. It has so many things right, but it still doesn't have the modern sporting facilities we need.

"We are the sixth biggest city in England, yet we still have to travel if we want to watch a major sporting event or a big show.

"Now we have an opportunity on a plate to change all that, and it doesn't even involve spending public money."

A regular in the Dolman Stand, Hendy admitted City fans will be sad to bid farewell to Ashton Gate, but said the vast majority appreciate the need for a new stadium.

He said: "Of course we will be sad to see Ashton Gate go. Football fans tend to be sentimental about these things and there will be a few tears shed when we leave.

"But most fans I speak to want progress and realise that can only come with a new stadium."

Hendy fears a 'no' vote might cause Bristol City chairman Steve Lansdown to "walk away" from the club.

He said: "The chairman has put so much into this and is so passionate about it, who knows how he might react if it is knocked back.

"He might just decide nothing can be achieved in Bristol and give up.

"For that reason and many others, I hope the city council gives our football club the opportunity to compete at the very top level."