PLANS to create a town council for Billingham are beginning to take shape.

Earlier this year, resident Colin Pollard started to look into forming a pressure group to help people living in Billingham regain pride in their town and make them feel their voice could be heard.

He appealed for people to come forward so a petition could be sent to Stockton Borough Council and work on the plans could begin.

Mr Pollard, of Station Road, said: "A lot of people have come forward and have expressed an interest in forming a town council.

"I have lived in the town for 30 years and not since I moved here has so much started to happen in the town.

"Residents' groups have started to spring up and there has been a lot of furore over the Forum Leisure Complex and John Whitehead Park.

"In a sense the town has woken up and people are starting to have their say, which can only be good for the town."

An inaugural meeting for those interested in forming a town council will take place at Low Grange Community Centre, Billingham, on Friday, August 23, at 7pm. A representative from nearby Norton, which has recently put plans into motion for its own council, will answer any questions.

Representatives from the Save our Theatre Group and Friends of the Park will also be on hand to answer queries.

It is also hoped to set up a steering committee at the meeting to put forward ideas for the town and allow residents to become actively involved.

Mr Pollard said: "At the meeting we will listen to other people's experiences and learn from what they have done."

David Bond, director of legal and administration services at Stockton council, said: "The Government and the council would always welcome the opportunity for the local community to participate in the democratic process, providing there is a will from the community for such a town council to be established."

Anyone interested in finding out more about the town council is asked to contact Mr Pollard on (01642) 531647.