MORE than 500 people gathered last night to protest at plans to demolish one of the region's best-known theatres.

Proposals to demolish Billingham Forum, which was opened by the Queen in 1967, were agreed last year by Stockton Borough Council.

A new sports and leisure complex will be built on John Whitehead Park in the town, which would include an area capable of staging small theatrical performances and workshops.

However, residents of the town are angry that the theatre will have to be demolished to make way for a supermarket.

Critics of the idea, proposed by consultants SQW/BBP, fear a promise to replace the Forum's theatre with a new venue may come to nothing.

The Save Our Theatre group, set up in May to co-ordinate protests against the closure plans, met in the theatre last night and were joined by hundreds of people.

Keith Thompson, who has lived in the town for 50 years, said: "I remember this building being built. I believe this useful hall should be regenerated, not knocked down."

Another resident, Gordon Surtees, said: "What we have in Billingham is something lots of other places would like to have. The theatre is something we should be proud of and something worth preserving. We should all be fighting for it."

Michael Spensley, from the Forum Theatre School of Performing Arts, said: "I am ashamed the council has tried to shut this place down. If we destroy this theatre, we are destroying a life in a way because it has got something special."

Stockton Borough Council cabinet is meeting on Thursday, when a report outlining the progress of Billingham's regeneration will be heard.

However, it is unlikely any developments would start for three to four years, and the Forum will stay open in the meantime