Residents angered at the possible demolition of a much-loved theatre and leisure complex have called for a public enquiry in a bid to stop the plans going ahead.

Hundreds of objectors attended a special meeting of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee last month, where councillors agreed in principle to demolish Billingham Forum and replace it with a supermarket.

They also agreed to build a new gateway building on the town's John Whitehead Park, which would include a swimming pool, ice-rink, library and health centre.

The application has been referred to the Government for the final decision, during which time the council will work with potential developers to save the theatre.

The plans have angered thousands of people and since last month's meeting a petition with more than 1,500 names has been collected. The Billingham Action Team (BAT) has been set up to advise people on what they can do next to fight the development and a meeting was held on Wednesday night to discuss the next step.

Frank Crosby, who organised the meeting, said: "The demolition of the Forum we condemn as being another nail in the coffin of our town.

"Our town is in serious danger of becoming nothing more than a housing estate with all the assets stripped and taken elsewhere. "The Forum is synonymous with Billingham so why demolish it?"

The three aims of the group are: stop the present plans going ahead; redevelop the shopping centre and include the Forum as a flagship; urge planners to go back to the drawing board.

Mr Crosby said: "It is easier with a pencil and rubber to change, but once demolition and building work is underway there is no going back." Residents were urged to send letters off to Government Office North-East (GONE) highlighting their upset at the plans in the hope a public enquiry will take place.

Graham Robertson said: "We need to get as many letters as possible to GONE. It is very important we do so."

Anyone who would like to add their support can e-mail Mr Crosby on fcrosby@virgin.net.