A new petition has been set up by local resident Richard Lane in support of Tesco being built at Ashton Gate - which in turn will help fund a new stadium for the club at Ashton Vale.

Richard, 54, already has hundreds of signatures from local residents who support the plans and is now hopeful that City supporters from across Bristol will also lend their support too.

Fans are likely to see copies of the petition to sign around different parts of the ground tomorrow for the home game with Middlesbrough, including the BCFC Megastore and Dolman Exhibition Hall.

Please take a moment of your time to sign this petition and support the new stadium by supporting the proposed retail food store at Ashton Gate.

Richard, who has lived in South Bristol for 43 years, told bcfc.co.uk: "I set up this petition because I felt that something needed to be done to re-balance some of the negative arguments that were surfacing.

"Many local residents support the redevelopment plan for Ashton Gate. It's quite clear that local traders will not be affected as those locals who currently use shops on North Street do so despite supermarket alternatives, so why would they change their shopping habits now? The plans we have seen show thoughtful designs that will be considerably smaller than the current stadium and are surely better than other alternatives. I just wanted to find a way to allow a voice for the silent majority.

"I am worried about apathy among some fans and Bristol residents and I really think that we need to be motivated and help our cause. Please find the time to sign my petition, it is important that we can counter existing campaigns and show our support. Thank you."

Sign the petition online at epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/petition.php?id=264.