STARBUCKS is believed to be the latest major retailer to pull out of Darlington town centre, The Northern Echo can reveal.

The Northgate branch of the popular chain coffee shop will close on Sunday, September 10 according to staff.

Starbucks is yet to respond formally to The Northern Echo’s request for information but an unnamed member of staff at the affected branch said: “We are closing on September 10.

“There are around 15 of us working here but most staff are ok about it as we are being redeployed to other stores.

“However, there are a lot of disappointed customers – their first thoughts have been for us and whether we’ve got anywhere to go but then they’re wondering where they are going to get their coffee from.”

Regular customer Jake Todhunter said: “This is a shame for both staff and the town.

“If Starbucks won’t work in Darlington, what will?”

In recent months, retailers TK Maxx and Argos announced their withdrawal from Darlington's town centre.

Its branch of Toni&Guy hairdressers also closed its doors for good earlier this week.