PROTESTORS fighting controversial decisions by Darlington Borough Council could push for a vote of no confidence in the authority.

A town referendum could be held next year involving campaign groups across Darlington who have been angered by council rulings.

The Save the White Horse group - which opposed the decision by the council's planning committee for 55 apartments to be built on the site of the White Horse Hotel - will in the coming months hold Darlington's first parish referendum, asking members of the community to voice their disapproval.

Last night, Mike Cartwright, the group's spokesman, said he hoped it would be a prelude to a town-wide ballot.

"We as a group intend to hold a parish referendum, but in the longer term, we are looking to pool our resources to try and force a town referendum, for a vote of no confidence in Darlington Borough Council," he said. "The idea was applauded at our last meeting."

Ian Holme, Save Hurworth and Rural Education (Share) spokesman - which has vowed to fight proposals to merge Hurworth and Eastbourne comprehensive schools to create a £25m privately-sponsored academy - said the group would consider the move.

"We have not discussed that idea in depth within Share yet, so it is something we will have to look at," he said.

The academy proposal is due to be considered by the council's cabinet tonight.

It was backed by the life-long learning scrutiny committee last week, despite Hurworth School governors rejecting the idea and opting to pursue foundation status instead.

Save the White Horse held another protest on Saturday, when scores of people gathered outside the hotel, waving anti-council placards, before a two-mile walk to another pub.

They were angered by claims in a council planning report which said the White Horse was not well-used by local residents.

Mr Cartwright said the walk to and from the Foresters Arms, in Coatham Mundeville - in which elderly and disabled people took part - took almost two hours.

"Is it acceptable to expect locals to walk two miles on poorly-lit, uneven paths just to be able to socialise?" he said.

"The dictionary definition of a local pub is 'a pub near to where a person lives'. Is two miles really local?"

A council spokeswoman said it would note the parish referendum, but it would have no binding effect on the borough or parish council.

"It was not the council's decision to close the White Horse - that decision was taken by the owner," she said.

"The council was asked for planning permission for the site and could only base its decision on strict planning guidelines laid down by the Government."