PLANS to regenerate Billingham town centre have been given the seal of approval by residents, according to a survey.

Almost two-thirds of people who took part in public consultation over proposals to regenerate the town centre supported the idea.

The consultation was carried out in March and included a survey by independent market research company NWA Social and Market Research, on behalf of Stockton Borough Council and the Billingham Regeneration Partnership.

The survey asked people for their views on plans that include a new gateway combining leisure, cultural, learning and health facilities in John Whitehead Park, improvements to the town centre, a new supermarket on the Forum site and better facilities for children's play, recreation and public performance in John Whitehead Park.

A total of 3,259 questionnaires were returned, the majority from the Billingham area, with an estimated 2,000 people visiting a series of public exhibitions on the plans.

Of those who responded, 65.4 per cent favoured the scheme, compared with 14.2 per cent who disapproved. Eleven per cent neither approved nor disapproved, while the remainder did not express an opinion.

The questionnaire also provided an opportunity for residents to put forward their own comments.

The largest proportion of those related to the Forum Theatre, with 11.4per cent of people saying they regretted its loss.

Councillor Barry Woodhouse, acting chairman of the Billingham Regeneration Partnership Board, said: "These proposals provide an opportunity to create a facility that is the envy of the area.

"The results of the survey provide a firm indication that local people want to see this vision become reality and it is very pleasing that a clear majority support the plans.

"We do recognise that the views of some people differ on what facilities should be provided. All the comments made during the consultation will be reported to the regeneration board and the council, where they will form the basis for the very important decisions that must now be taken on Billingham's future."