Business chiefs are confident that one of Darlington's main shopping areas will bounce back from the loss of a major store.

Supermarket giant Safeway confirmed earlier this week that it was planning to shut down its store in the Queen Street Arcade, in the town centre.

The struggling shop is due to close on November 9 after company bosses admitted it was no longer viable to continue trading there.

Safeway said it was considering "other employment options" for the 48 members of staff, although many are expected to be re-located to other local stores.

The store has been one of the largest in the arcade and a popular choice for convenience shoppers.

Albion Small, of Darlington Chamber of Trade, said news of the closure had come as a surprise.

"I think it will be a bit of a blow for Queen Street. There are a number of people who shop regularly in there, especially on a lunchtime," he said.

"There is the large Safeway on Victoria Road but it is not quite the same as having a small supermarket in the town centre.

"It is popular with office workers who maybe haven't got a lot of time during lunch breaks."

However, he said Darlington's growing reputation as a thriving shopping centre should ensure that the premises did not remain empty for long.

"I think they will get another retailer in there. Darlington is an up and coming place as far as the national retailers are concerned. In the past, there hasn't been enough space to get the retailers in," he said.

A Safeway spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that this store is closing in Darlington.

"We regret that we had to take this decision, but we will be seeking to re-deploy staff wherever possible.

"There will now be a consultation period where we will be discussing other employment options with staff."

She added that the closure had come about because the store was "performing below expectations."