COUNCILLORS remain hopeful that big supermarkets will stay in Darlington if a major takeover deal goes ahead.

Retail chain Morrisons is one of several companies bidding to take over rival Safeway, in a move which could have important implications for the town's shoppers.

While Morrisons' store at Morton Park and Safeway on Victoria Road are expected to remain, doubts have been expressed over the future of Morrisons in North Road.

Business analysts believe that, if Morrisons secures the deal, at least one store will be forced to close.

But borough councillor for the North Road ward, Susan Walker, said: "Morrisons are less sure of what they are doing now, but the concern still remains, because there's nothing else around. People will have to go all the way to Morton Park."

Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "Certainly there is concern about job losses and people's shopping preferences will be severely disrupted, but I am confident that won't be the case.