CAMPAIGNERS who battled in vain against the closure of a landmark pub claim to have secured the town's first parish referendum.

Residents are furious at Darlington Borough Council's approval of the demolition of the White Horse pub, in North Road, and have pledged to fight the scheme all the way.

The scheme to demolish the building and replace it with a block of 55 flats was narrowly approved by the council in October.

The Save the White Horse protest group said this week that it had gained the support of enough people to force a referendum of 1,155 people in the Whessoe parish. They would be asked whether or not they want the landmark building pulled down.

Gill Cartwright, of the group, said that only ten signatures were needed to secure the referendum, but 28 were gathered on Wednesday.

The outcome would not be legally binding on the council, but protestors believe it could pave the way for a town-wide referendum seeking a vote of no confidence in the authority.

Ms Cartwright said there were hopes for other groups opposed to council schemes to meet next year.

"Our referendum will be the first of its kind in Darlington, but we would make ourselves available to talk to any groups wanting to do the same thing," she said.

A council spokesman said last night: "The matter has gone through the due planning process and the demolition of the White Horse very much rests with the developer."