The club has today released the following statement:-

"Over the last 18 months we have held discussions with several food store operators as we have a duty to the club to get the best deal available. We cannot comment on speculation but we continue to work hard to secure permission for a food store on the Ashton Gate site so we can take the stadium plans forward. It is only by securing permission to develop a food store at Ashton Gate that we can bring the exciting plans for a new regional stadium for Bristol to fruition.

"The food store planning application has not been withdrawn. It has, however, been deferred from November 5th to November 11th in agreement with the Council. This is pending the receipt of additional technical information. This deferral with the food store application will not prejudice or delay the progress of the new stadium application, which is still to go to committee on November 4th."

ENDS

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