HUNDREDS of protestors are expected to turn up at a council meeting on Saturday as the future of a North-East theatre is discussed.

Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee will meet to hear the outline planning application for a supermarket, parking and access at the Billingham Forum site, at The Causeway, Billingham.

The committee will also hear the full application to build a swimming pool, ice rink, fitness centre, library and health facilities at John Whitehead Park.

The plans, which are known as the Gateway Scheme, have angered The Save Our Theatre Group because the demolition of the Forum to make way for the supermarket would not include the retention of the theatre complex.

Since starting a petition last year, they have received 10,000 signatures from people opposing the scheme.

Kevin Bowler, from the group, is urging people to turn up at Saturday's meeting to show their opposition to the development.

He said: "The proposal includes demolition of the magnificent Forum Theatre, and there would be no replacement theatre.

"Literally hundreds of written objections have been submitted opposing this crazy scheme. The meeting is open to the public and we would urge people to attend if they can possibly make it.

"We are expecting a huge turnout and do hope people can make it to demonstrate the huge depth of feeling against the potential loss of the theatre."

The Friends of John Whitehead Park have also received a 5,000-name petition from people opposed to the development on the park.

A report to the meeting said: "The development is considered to deliver a major supermarket within the town centre, which will not only help to revitalise the centre, but is an important element in the council's strategy to regenerate Billingham town centre as a whole."

A site visit will be carried out at 9.30am before the planning meeting at 10.30am in The Causeway Community Centre.

Copies of the agenda for the meeting are available at Billingham library and Roseberry Library or on (01642) 526190.