Parents have accused a supermarket of putting profits before people after confirming it is to close its crche.

Safeway has been reviewing how best to use the space at its store on Victoria Road, Darlington.

The company carried out an extensive consultation exercise and, despite parents' pleas have decided the crche at the 60,000sq ft store must go.

Stephen Hughes, Labour MEP for the North-East who lives in Darlington, criticised the supermarket chain for its decision.

He said: "I'm bitterly disappointed by the news because I had hoped they would rethink and keep it open.

"I think they've done their image and their reputation in the town a lot of harm and I think customers will show their displeasure by shopping elsewhere. We certainly will."

Mr Hughes, who wrote a letter of objection to the chief executive of Safeway plc, added: "It's a real slap in the face for many loyal customers and many people in the town will not forget this in a hurry."

Frances Griss, whose two children both use the crche, said: "It's a betrayal of our children. They have been happy there and it's been part of their life since they were old enough to go in.

"Safeway really can't care about families, they've shown us what they really feel. They're not bothered about our custom because it will be going somewhere else."

Mum-of-two Libby Andrews added: "It's an absolute disgrace that they are prepared to put profits before loyal shoppers."

A spokeswoman for Safeway confirmed the company's decision, adding: "Staff and customers in Safeway Darlington have been informed that the crche will be closing.

"The crche is due to close on October 5 and all staff affected by its closure have been offered alternative employment within the store.

"This was a hard decision to make and we are sorry the crche will be closing, but after a careful review we concluded that in order to offer the best services for customers in Safeway we would need to use the space in a new way.

"After a careful consultation period, this closure forms part of a review of our services and facilities offered in our Darlington store."