PLANS to turn a former theatre in Stockton into a nightclub and restaurant have been attacked by a local historian.

A planning application has been lodged with Stockton Borough Council by Northern County Leisure seeking permission for the conversion at the Globe Theatre, in High Street. The plans would also include new bar areas. Listed building consent would be needed.

However, Robert Harbron feels there are too many nightclubs in the area and that the council should re-open the building as a theatre.

He said: "The theatre was very popular in its day and used by lots of people.

"The council should get together with the arts council and consider re-developing the building as a theatre. If plans for a nightclub do eventually get the go-ahead, it is another break away from our past and culture."

The Globe started life as a cinema in the early 1900s. It was rebuilt in the mid-1920s and in 1935 was shaped into the building it is today.

In 1938, it became an ABC and became a combined cinema and theatre after the Second World War.

The Globe had a brief resurgence as a music venue in the mid-1970s, staging acts such as Mud and the Bay City Rollers. The Beatles and Cliff Richard also appeared there.

By 1977 however, it was a Mecca Bingo Hall, and stayed that way until Rank moved to new premises a few years ago. The building is now boarded up.

Mr Harbron said: "With the possibility that the Forum in Billingham may eventually close, which I hope it doesn't, the nearest theatre will be Darlington.

"The Globe has got everything going for it. It is in a good location and there is lots of parking.

"Lets get together and think about the Globe as well as the Forum. I have very fond memories of the place and it would be shame to see it turned into a nightclub."

Nobody from Northern County Leisure was available for comment last night.