TWO post office branches in Darlington have been lined up for closure as part of a restructuring programme.

Post Office Ltd says the proposed closure of North End post office in North Road and the Faverdale branch in Sandriggs is intended to safeguard the future of other branches in the area.

The company announced last year that it was to undertake a programme to restructure and modernise its national network of more than 9,000 urban post offices.

It claims that in many cities and towns there are simply too many outlets competing for too little business.

Along with increased running costs and concerns about future income, including changes to the way benefits are paid, many sub-postmasters will no longer have viable businesses unless changes are made.

Following a preference exercise, during which sub-postmasters across the country were asked to indicate their wishes for the future, the business has agreed with the sub-postmasters of the two Darlington branches that they should close permanently in December.

The branch managers said yesterday that contractual agreements prevented them from commenting on the proposed closures.

David Mellows-Facer, Post Office Ltd's head of area, said: "Proposals to close post office branches are not made without considerable research and discussion, so we are anxious that customers and all relevant organisations understand our rationale and have the opportunity to give us their views.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that customers in Darlington will continue to have reasonable access to local post office products and services. Even after any changes are made, well over 95 per cent of customers will still live within a mile of a post office branch.

"Having met the sub-postmasters from the two branches and other local sub-postmasters, we have concluded that, if these branches were to close, it would improve the long-term prospects of the other branches in the area.

Other branches would be fully geared up to cope with extra customers should the closure go ahead, he said.

"Before we make a final decision, we want to hear of any concerns customers and others might have about the closures and about the services provided by our nearest alternative branches. No final decisions will be taken until we have considered all views," said Mr Mellows-Facer.

Comments should be sent to the National Consultation Team, PO Box 641, St Albans, AL1 5XN by October 16.