‘They are making it up as they go along’

COUNCILLORS CALL FOR MORE CONSULTATION ON TOWN CENTRE VISION

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT Local democracy reporter

TWO councillors have called for more consultation on the future of Billingham in a petition submitted to Stockton Council.

The petition from Billingham West and Wolviston Conservative members councillors Marcus Vickers and David Reynard calls for a “town centre for the people, and by the people of Billingham”.

They say they want meaningful and open public consultation with residents and regular updates to residents, not “behind-closed-doors meetings or briefings”.

Labour-led Stockton Council has responded, saying the masterplan for the town centre was created following a consultation in 2020. They say this vision is “just the start” and there will be more engagement with residents and businesses once an agreement to acquire part of the town centre is reached with its owner, Evolve Properties.

Council bosses previously said they were “moving as fast as we can” with the regeneration of Billingham after receiving a £20m levelling up grant from the Government in April.

They wanted to acquire part of Queensway South, West Precinct and the former library site, move existing tenants and demolish “vacant, tired and dated” old buildings to make way about 160 new homes and commercial investment.