Protest at Tesco on stadium site

Protesters fear a new supermarket would damage their quality of life

More than 100 south Bristol residents turned out to protest against a proposed Tesco supermarket on the site of Ashton Gate football stadium.

The supermarket giant has been invited to build an outlet in Bedminster, provided Bristol City Football Club gets permission to build a new stadium.

About 150 local campaigners marched the length of North Street at 1100 BST carrying banners and shouting chants.

A Tesco spokesman said a supermarket would be good news.

'Alternatives better'

But residents say the development would mean local shops suffer and an increase in traffic.

Protester Chris Uttley said: "There's any number of alternatives which will be much better than this giant supermarket which is being proposed."

Bristol City's proposed £30m stadium complex at nearby Ashton Vale could accommodate 30,000 fans, and up to 40,000 if the English FA bid to host the 2018 World Cup is won.

A Tesco spokesman said: "It's Bristol City's application and we're pleased to have been invited.

"It would enable the club to build a new stadium, potentially to host international football and be part of the 2018 world cup bid.

"If city's scheme is approved, we hope to increase choice. We understand it's a vibrant shopping street and expect to bring more people into the area."

A Bristol City spokesman said Tesco would begin its own programme of public consultation if planning permission were granted.