PEOPLE living in a seaside town have been horrified at plans to convert a derelict sports stadium into a casino and hotel.

The proposal is one of six suggested by civic leaders debating the future of the Gypsies Green stadium, in South Shields.

South Tyneside Council hoped the development could breathe new life into the run-down seaside site.

But the plan has sparked fury among residents who want the track turned into a sports centre for children.

A £50m theme park inspired by North-East author Terry Deary's Horrible Histories series is another possible scheme.

Other proposals include a Wet 'n' Wild-style theme park, a new base for South Shields FC, bringing it back into use as a running track and incorporating the site into The Leas as open space.