AN MP has issued a damning assessment of a retailer’s decision to close its Darlington town centre store.

House of Fraser bosses confirmed this morning that Darlington’s store will be one of 39 across the country that will be closing next year, along with the Middlesbrough store.

The closure will result in 267 Darlington workers losing their jobs.

In response to the news, Darlington MP Jenny Chapman has described the company’s strategy as “lazy and short term” and their decision to abandon Darlington is a “desertion of our community”.

Ms Chapman said: “The news today comes as a bitter blow to our town.

“Stores like House of Fraser have profited off the back of our high streets and has had time and resources to futureproof itself amid the changing landscape of retail.

“It was their choice to persist with a model that has been seen to be struggling for a while now, the plight of BHS and Woolworths are two examples which should have acted as warning lights.

“The decision today is a desertion of our community and of their workforce and we should not forget that.

“The problems the high street faces are not new - and a lazy, short term, remote approach has culminated in these closures today. John Lewis are still opening stores so they seem to be making it work.

“It is the workforce I feel for most today and I will do all I can to support those affected by the closure in the coming days and weeks.

Despite the closure, which comes after M&S decided to close their Darlington store last month, Ms Chapman insisted it was not the end for Darlington town centre.

“Town centres evolve and always have done – House of Fraser are closing their flagship Oxford Street store in London store so you can’t blame it all on local factors.

“Darlington is really struggling but we can’t give up – we have got to fight on.

“The town centre is the heart of the whole town, and we urgently need to decide what to do with the landmark site.

“Everyone will have an idea about what they would like to do with it, but we have got to be realistic.

“We need more culture, entertainment and events and we need to build on the success of the markets and the food festival. It is the independent businesses and the markets that make Darlington unique.”