More than 4,500 people have got behind a grassroots campaign calling for the long-awaited Bristol Arena to be built at Temple Meads.

Marvin Rees sparked a storm of outrage from many across the city when he announced the privately-owned Brabazon Hangar at the former Filton Airfield was being considered as an alternative location for the multi-million pound project.

The mayor says that a final decision will be made based on the outcome of a report weighing up the economic, social and environmental benefits of each site.

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But thousands have signed a petition that argues the original Temple Meads location is the best place for the 12,000-capacity arena, where it would better benefit the local economy, as opposed to the “car-centric” alternative in north Bristol.

The level of support, gained in just 13 days since the launch of the campaign, means a debate on the matter will be held at the next full council meeting at City Hall on March 20.

Let's settle this debate once and for all: Where should Bristol Arena be built? — Bristol24/7 (@bristol247) March 12, 2018

Welcoming the news, petition organiser David Wilcox said: “After so many delays, it is great news to see this petition gaining so much support.

“An arena at Temple Meads is a venue that people will be able to get to from all parts of the city. I hope the mayor takes note of the growing public support for an arena in the city centre in Bristol.”

The petition says that the Temple Meads site is the better option because of its public transport links, central location to enable “access to all”, benefits to the Bristol economy and the chance to enhance the city’s reputation with an “iconic emblem”.

In comparison, the Brabazon Hangar location has been branded “utter madness” by one signee, and an option that would only create further traffic gridlock in the congested area, with economic benefits crossing over into South Gloucestershire rather than going back into Bristol.

Bristol’s Green group and a number of Labour politicians have raised concerns about the possibility that the arena could be built in Filton.

But Bristol North West MP Darren Jones says the north Bristol location could pose an opportunity to invest in improved infrastructure in the area and some Tory councillors have long called for the project to be relocated to the city’s outskirts.

A final decision is expected to be made in May.

Read more: ‘Get on with building Bristol Arena at only viable site’