Plans to knock down one of the North-East's best known leisure centres and theatre, and replace it with a supermarket, are supported by the majority of residents.

This is the claim made in a consultation document being put before Stockton Borough Council's cabinet this afternoon, as it meets to help decide the fate of Billingham's 33-year-old Forum sports and theatre complex.

A report into the redevelopment of Billingham town centre recommends that a foodstore is put on the site of the Forum and a sport and leisure complex is built on nearby John Whitehead Park.

During a consultation exercise held earlier this year, 77 per cent of the residents who responded, agreed with the idea of bulldozing the Forum in favour of a supermarket. And 61 per cent agreed with the idea of putting a new leisure centre on John Whitehead Park.

The report, from consultants SQW/BBP and council officials, painted a picture of a crumbling building well beyond its original 20-year lifespan. But the council expects a backlash against getting rid of the town's ice rink, swimming pool and sports hall. It will also be in negotiation with the commercial company, which still has three years to run on a five-year lease for the now resurgent theatre.

Theatre director Derek Cooper said: "We would like it made clear that nothing is going to happen in the short term, because Riverside Leisure Promotions Ltd has a contract to run the venue until 2003.

"Managing director John Davey has put in a lot of work, trouble and money to put the theatre back on the map, but it will be a bit of a kick in the teeth if there is no future for a full-time professional theatre in Billingham."

Both men stressed yesterday that they want to work with the council to build theatre audiences in the Billingham area and resolve the Forum's future.

Mr Cooper said: "I want to reassure people that we are not closing tomorrow."