IT was sad to read that the clothing shop Burtons is to close in Northgate, Darlington, but hardly surprising (Echo, Sept 8).

It’s the last of the men’s shops along Northgate and the High Row. I fondly remember Hepworths (where I got my wedding suit), Alexander and John Collier, Moss Bros. Sadly all disappeared.

I don’t think it’s solely due to the end of the lease. It’s much more to do with price. I went in for a pair of jeans to muck about in, and was surprised at the price of £30 or two pairs for £50, so I hopped along and got a cheap and cheerful pair for a tenner at Primark.

I do hope something more than a phone shop takes over.

John Brant, Darlington