MPs have joined forces to condemn the closure of a citizens advice office.

The national Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) announced earlier this week that it has suspended its Derwentside branch and ordered it to close its Consett and Stanley offices following concerns over its operation.

Instead, residents are being asked to travel to an alternative office or ring a citizens’ advice helpline.

It follows worries that the branch has persistently failed to meet the standards expected of the CAB and concerns over the governance and finance of the branch.

However, MPs Pat Glass and Kevan Jones and Pat Glass, whose constituencies cover Consett and Stanley, expressed concern over the decision.

Both have now written to the chief executive of Citizens’ Advice requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the matter.

Mr Jones said: "I have serious concerns about this decision, which will leave many of the poorest and most vulnerable in my constituency high and dry "Clearly there are some real problems at Derwentside CAB that need to be addressed, but I do not think depriving my constituents of a vital service is the way to do it "The provisions put in place are simply inadequate, as many people will not be able to travel to another branch, and may not be able, or feel comfortable, using the telephone helpline."

Mrs Glass added: "I am concerned about how this problem came about, the current interim arrangements and the impact this could have on the vulnerable members of my constituency who greatly value and rely on Derwentside CAB for help and support.

"It would simply be devastating to lose Derwentside CAB for many of my constituents and I do not want to see constituents left without access to their services".