MULTI-MILLION pound plans to regenerate Billingham town centre have been given the thumbs up by residents.

Developer Stockland and Stockton Borough Council have reveal that a public consultation held in November saw 99 per cent of feedback forms state the area was in need of regeneration.

More than 1,600 people visited a public exhibition detailing the £20m regeneration plans for Billingham.

The results also showed: * 84 per cent of respondents found the exhibition "very" or "somewhat" informative.

* 82 per cent said the regeneration would make them want to shop there more often.

* 40 per cent currently use the town for shopping more than once a week.

One resident wrote: "The proposals to improve street lighting and the street paving are, in my opinion, essential."

Another wrote: "Billingham Town Centre requires urgent regeneration and has been in need of it for several years.

"Apart from the obvious shopping it will bring, it will also restore pride to the residents of Billingham again."

The Masterplan outlines details for a new West Precinct food store, refurbishments to shops, new lighting, paving, planting and new facilities for the town’s shopping area.

Simon Hoad, development director for Stockland, said: "This is an overwhelming response and a very clear message that people want to see change for the better.

"We’ll now be looking closely at delivering improvements which will provide Billingham with excellent shops, facilities and public spaces that people can be proud of."

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said: "This much-needed regeneration will breathe life back into the town centre."