PROTESTORS against plans to demolish Billingham Forum have criticised a council survey that says two thirds of residents back plans to replace it.

The Save our Theatre group was out in force at a meeting of Stockton Borough Council's cabinet yesterday, after it had hit out at the council for not giving residents enough information about the plans.

Council bosses are also facing criticism from another protest group, The Friends of John Whitehead Park, which is also unhappy about plans to demolish the forum and replace it with leisure, learning and health facilities.

A report outlining what the council call the "gateway" to Billingham was presented to the meeting yesterday.

The council also referred to a recent survey, carried out as part of its consultation, which says that two thirds of local people back plans for a swimming pool, Olympic-sized skating rink and college.

Brian Winn, of the Save our Theatre group, said the survey could not be relied upon.

Mr Winn, who attended the meeting, said: "As far as we are concerned, we have a new motto: Forum Today, Tomorrow Elections. The council should think about the repercussions if this goes ahead. As for their survey, some areas of Billingham did not receive it, many who did not understand the questions and many were filled in by children.

"There is no way that two thirds of people in Billingham back this."

However, Councillor Alex Cunningham, the council's cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, was pleased with the results.

He said: "There was a great response to the consultation and I'm delighted at the number of young people who are getting involved in planning the future of their town, since they are among the main users.

"I am aware there are a number of people concerned about the loss of a third of John Whitehead Park, but it too will be improved as part of these proposals."