A CAMPAIGN group hoping to save a Teesside theatre from demolition has come up with a rescue plan.

The Save Our Theatre Group is angered that plans by Stockton Borough Council to demolish Billingham Forum to make way for a supermarket do not include the retention of the complex.

Since starting a petition last year, they have received 10,000 signatures from people opposing demolition of the theatre.

The council's plans, known as the Gateway Scheme, would see a 70,000 sq ft supermarket built on the Forum site.

However, the group said this was too big for a town the size of Billingham, which already has two sizeable supermarkets.

Members have now enlisted the help of a retired architect and drawn up their own plans, which would see a 35,000 sq ft supermarket and the retention of the theatre.

Kevin Bowler, chairman of the group, said: "We have approached a number of supermarkets with our proposal and they say it can be done.

"This is not just pie in the sky, it is something that can be achieved.

"We all keep talking about the heritage of the area, and this is the heritage of Billingham that pulls people in from all over the region.

"It is an unique building and we all should be proud of it."

The scheme has received backing from Equity and The Theatre's Trust.

Although the group is able to submit the plans as an outline planning application, it has not done so and is urging the council to listen to the wishes of the local people.

Kevin Pitt, chairman of the Billingham Partnership, has also backed proposals to make the theatre an integral part of any redevelopment.

He said: "We do support the aim of retaining the existing theatre, and hope that potential supermarket developers can be persuaded to incorporate this facility within any new development."

Councillor Alex Cunningham, the council's cabinet member for education, leisure and culture, said the plans could be changed and the council would work with a developer and the group to try to come up with a viable solution.

Published: 26/01/2004