THE Save our Theatre group has raised a 10,000-name petition opposing the development and vowed to continue their fight.

Spokesman Kevin Bowler said: "This year saw a record number of people -25,000 -attend the pantomine at the forum, and this must have brought business into Billingham.

"As for the regeneration of Billingham, this theatre should be a major requirement to be kept here as it gives us a national identity.

"It is the flagship of the town. We should be keeping it, not pulling it down. There is no guarantee the theatre will remain. We expected the decision, but we will not give up the fight."

Committee members also discussed a related application to use 30 per cent of nearby John Whitehead Park to build an eight-lane swimming pool, ice-rink, fitness centre, library and health facilities. The plans also met opposition.

Fred Jones, a member of the Friends of the Park group, which has collected a 5,000-name petition, said: "The park was a gem and that gem is what we have now, even though it has become tarnished by neglect.

"It was put here for the people of Billingham and I never thought in my lifetime I would have to spend two years finding ways of stopping this proposal going into the park. We will not accept this situation."

Published: 24/05/2004