THE fate of a controversial sculpture could soon be decided after councillors agreed to consult residents.

The Apollo Pavilion, in Peterlee, was created during the 1970s by artist and sculptor Victor Pasmore.

It formed part of a development including a lake and housing estates, which was designed by the town council in partnership with Mr Pasmore.

At the time it was critically acclaimed, and the development is still acknowledged as the largest undertaking of its kind in 20th Century Britain.

However, residents have condemned the structure as an eyesore after budget restrictions and an increase in anti-social behaviour in the area have led to its decline.

In recent years, local people have complained that repeated vandalism has made the pavilion dangerous, and called for its demolition.

They have also asked Easington District Council to clean up the lake surrounding it. The council claimed it could not afford the clean-up, and representatives from the art world argued that such examples of Mr Pasmore's work should be preserved.

Proposals to enlarge the lake to encompass the pavilion met with cautious approval from district and town councillors and members of the art and architectural communities.

Now, the district council's executive committee has agreed to contribute £5,000 to establish a steering group and organise a public meeting on the issue.

Local people will be consulted on ways of preserving the pavilion as well as applying for Lottery and business funding for its demolition.

A report prepared for yesterday's executive committee meeting states: "It has been suggested that a public meeting is held with a view to formulating a steering group to focus local energy on a solution."

Councillors agreed to hold the public meeting on March 11 at 6pm, in Oakerside Community Centre.

Passfield ward councillor Joan Maslin, who has campaigned for the pavilion's demolition for 17 years, said she was glad that residents were to be consulted.

However, she was sceptical that action would be taken.

She said: "After all these years, something has got to be done, but Easington council has not got the finances to do anything with the pavilion.

"Up to now, it has done very little."