THE date for the first parish referendum in Darlington was confirmed yesterday, as campaigners stepped up their efforts to save a landmark pub.

The Save the White Horse protest group has been battling against the demolition of the pub and hotel, at the top of North Road.

It is due to be pulled down, to make way for 55 apartments, after the borough council's planning committee granted permission to developer Premier Homes last year.

Campaigners have succeeded in securing a referendum on the issue, which is open to 1,155 people in the Whessoe parish.

Voting will take place in the White Horse on Thursday, January 19, from 4pm to 9pm.

It will ask people whether or not they want the pub demolishing and the results will be fed back to the council.

But the authority stressed last night that the result was not legally binding, with the demolition of the pub now resting in the hands of the developers.

Gill Cartwright, of the campaign group, said a public meeting would take place in Whessoe parish hall on Thursday, at 7.30pm, to discuss the issue.

Campaigning has also begun in the parish ,with householders being encouraged to use their vote next week.

Mrs Cartwright said: "I think this is quite exciting. It's the first time it has ever happened in Darlington and hopefully it will open the floodgates.

"We have thrown so much at the council and we think we are stronger than ever.

"We are in this for the long haul and we will do whatever it takes, including spending money on the campaign."

But a council spokesman said the planning committee had made its decision in accordance with national guidelines.

"We will note the outcome of the referendum, but the matter has gone through the due planning process and the demolition of the White Horse now very much rests with the developer," he said.