A SENIOR member of parliament has visited a Teesside town to find out about a threatened theatre and park.

Liberal Democrat Ed Davey, who shadows deputy prime minister John Prescott, met councillors in Billingham.

He found out more about the controversial multi-million pound proposals to redevelop Billingham Town Centre.

There has been opposition in the town because the proposals would mean building on part of John Whitehead Park and could involve the destruction of Billingham Forum Theatre.

The plans are being examined by John Prescott's office where a final decision will be made. Mr Davey said that the people of Billingham had not been consulted properly.

He said: "I am shocked that the people of Billingham have not been properly involved with decisions about their own community.

"It is time that people got together and worked out an alternative that the whole community could get behind.

"Everyone agrees that there needs to be redevelopment in Billingham, but the result must not rip the heart and pride out of the town.

"It seems as though they are knocking down the good bits, building on the green bits and keeping the worst."