CAMPAIGNERS against plans to build on a town's only large park are stepping up their protests.

The Friends of the Park, set up by Billingham residents angry at proposals to build on John Whitehead Park, say they have collected more than 5,000 signatures supporting their protest.

In addition, to raise awareness of their fight with Stockton Borough Council - which supports the plans - they are holding a Picnic in the Park next weekend.

They have teamed up with the Save Our Theatre group to invite local families to come and enjoy the park on Sunday.

Last month the council's cabinet decided to defer plans for the regeneration of Billingham town centre.

As well as disrupting the park, the £25m leisure, learning and health complex would lead to the demolition of the Billingham Forum theatre venue.

Included in the plans are a swimming pool, and Olympic-sized ice rink and a college.

But Pat Kirby, of Friends of the Park, is adamant that the people of Billingham do not want the development.

She said: "This park is really important to the people of this town. It is our only park and as such is the only place for kids to get real exercise and some proper fresh air.

"Also, there are 400 trees in that park, and if the plans go ahead, around 300 of them will be chopped down.

"The council claim two thirds of residents want the development, but as far as I understand they were asked if they wanted these new facilities, not whether they wanted their park taken away."

Council bosses said their recent consultation, which included a residents questionnaire, proves people want to be involved in the development of their town.

Mrs Kirby said: "We are holding onto the signatures for the time being, but the picnic will hopefully bring the issue to everyone's attention.

"We are asking people to bring their own food and drink and enjoy the park - they may not get too many more chances to do this."

The Picnic in the Park is from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday, and is open to everyone.