A CAMPAIGNING pensioner who has helped lead the fight to save a much-loved leisure complex and theatre from demolition is to stand as a councillor.

Frank Crosby, 79, organiser of the Billingham Action Team, which is opposed to the proposed demolition of Billingham Forum, has decided to stand as a councillor for the town's Central ward in next May's local elections.

Mr Crosby is well-known across the town for his views on the controversial Gateway Scheme, which would see a supermarket built on the Forum site and replacement leisure facilities built in nearby John Whitehead Park.

Earlier this year, he helped organise a rally against the plans, which saw 400 people give him their support when they turned up to protest in Billingham town centre.

The retired businessman, who lives in Billingham, said residents had become disheartened at what was happening to their town and the time had now come for a change.

He said: "There needs to be a balancing act which could just make the difference for the people of Billingham.

"People in the town are getting fed up of the power being with one party.

"When the new ward boundaries come into force next year, we are looking at six new councillors for Billingham and I think people want to see faces they can trust."

The ward Mr Crosby will stand in covers the area of the Forum and John Whitehead Park and, if elected, he has said he will look at issues concerning the refurbishment of the town centre.

He said: "What we want is a new shopping centre. The ladies of this town are sick of the shopping centre and we want people to enjoy their shopping. We have a wonderful centre really, because it is a very personal centre with no big shops. What it really needs is a bit of dressing up."

Mr Crosby has also had a role on the steering committee of Billingham Town Council and is chairman of Billingham West Residents' Association.