THE green light has been finally given for building work to begin on the new Abbey Stadium.

Stadium owners Gaming International have said in a statement this afternoon that they had now passed all the reserved matters set out by Swindon Council and that work on the new stadium will begin shortly.

While it was hoped that Swindon Robins would have been in their new home earlier this year, Gaming International have said that they expect the new facility to be ready by April next year.

The stadium owners have also said that speedway, greyhound racing and the indoor/outdoor market would continue with any interruptions while the new new stadium is being built.

Clarke Osborne, CEO at Gaming International said: “We are delighted to have permission granted and are keen to get underway with the construction of this new facility for Swindon.

"We have plans to keep the disruption to our customers at a minimum during the construction and I ask that everyone allows a little more time to arrive and park when attending a function."

Justin Tomlinson, MP for Swindon North, added: “This has indeed been a long road, but we are finally at the point of starting work on a new stadium and I want to thank everyone concerned in getting here.

"This is a prime example of the Council working closely with operators and developers to make things happen and bring brand new, modern leisure facilities to Swindon.

"I made a commitment as a Councillor, back in 2006 that the Council would support this venture and they have delivered.

"It is very exciting and I look forward to the opening next year.”