CAMPAIGNERS hoping to help kick-start the regeneration of their town centre have urged residents and the borough council to pull together to secure a brighter future.

Members of Billingham Action Team (Bat) met to discuss the future of the town after the withdrawal of controversial plans to build a supermarket on the site of the Forum, with the loss of the theatre, and to create a gateway complex in the town's John Whitehead Park.

The group was set up by pensioner Frank Crosby with the aim of saving the Forum and the park.

The meeting, which was attended by about 50 people, was held to congratulate all those who helped the group and to discuss the way forward.

Mr Crosby said: "I consider this is a good town, there is not a lot wrong with it, but we can make it better.

"There is a way forward, but it can't be done just by Bat or the residents of Billingham. It has to be done with Stockton Borough Council and the planners.

"Everybody has got to get together so we can get the best we can for our town. At the end of the day, there is going to have to be trust between people. If there is not, we will get nowhere.

"We have a golden opportunity to become involved in the plans right from the beginning, rather than be told 'this is what you are going to be given'."

Mr Crosby suggested getting rid of public lavatories in the town centre, which are in need of repair, and creating a covered precinct which performers at Billingham Folklore Festival could use.

Ward councillor Barry Woodhouse said: "The redevelopment and regeneration of shops is getting worked on now and may be progressing very well.

"Moving the toilets from downstairs to upstairs is being looked at, but it takes a very long-time to redesign a town centre.

"As soon as a developer is ready to show plans, you will get to see them, which may be some time next year."