LOCAL residents battling to secure the future of a landmark pub last night pledged to contribute their own cash to ensure their campaign receives professional planning and legal advice.

A crowded meeting of the Save The White Horse group agreed it was essential they hired a planning consultant - at a cost of about £1,400 - to advise on their campaign to save Darlington's White Horse pub.

The meeting, held at Whessoe Parish Centre, was also told that a solicitor had been recruited in an attempt to find legal flaws in the plans to demolish the pub and replace it with 55 apartments.

Calls were made to Whessoe Parish Council - which has contributed £300 - to add more money to the campaign from the council tax precept.

However, council representatives said that must be discussed and decided by the full parish body.

Residents were urged to continue objecting to the proposals in the run-up to September 21, when the future of the pub will be decided by a meeting of Darlington Borough Council's planning committee.

Planning consultant Richard Spencer, who will be hired by the group, said it was crucial objections continued.

He said: "There are ways to apply pressure, and make our views known.

"Do not dismiss the communication side - that is, objecting and petitioning councillors. This is, after all, a democratic process and we must be listened to."

Mr Spencer also advised that sentimentality for the pub should not be the main line of attack.

He said: "Of course it is something you can argue, but not something you should concentrate on in my opinion.

"It is the location and the very ambitious plans I think you have to go on."

Gill Cartwright, who lives with husband Mike next to the White Horse, said they must think "outside the box".

She said: "It's about thinking creatively. Too often people have said to us 'This is what you do, but we can't offer you any more', so that is why we are turning to planning and legal advice.

"You cannot deny that the majority of people round here feel strongly about this.

"We're the residents here and we have to make sure they take more notice of us."

The group will hold a further meeting before the final planning decision is made, the date of which will be confirmed on their website, www.savethewhitehorse.org.