THE regeneration of a North-East town centre was not enough to stop a retail giant leaving, bosses have confirmed.

Hundreds of people are facing the prospect of losing their jobs after Marks & Spencer proposed closing its Darlington and Stockton stores last month.

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham expressed his disappointment in the decision and wrote to M&S chief executive Steve Rowe urging him to rethink.

But in his reply, which has been seen by The Northern Echo, Mr Rowe said the decision was made on the "future potential" of the store, and the redevelopment of Stockton town centre was not enough to save the store.

In his letter, Mr Rowe said: “All the proposed closures, including Stockton, followed very detailed commercial and financial consideration, both of current performance and future potential.

“We do take into account wider developments planned for the town. However even with these positive regeneration redevelopments, both delivered and planned, the conclusion was to proceed with the planned closure.

Mr Cunningham said: “We all know these decisions are taken by remote executives based on general terms rather than examining local circumstances.

“Stockton council is a progressive authority planning for the long term, and have and are investing in the town centre to create a new and vibrant centre for people to have leisure and shopping time.

“Sadly the chief executive of M&S couldn’t be bothered to visit and properly consider our case. I am confident the town will continue its trend of investment and succeed in continuing to reverse its fortunes of recent times.“

Cllr Bob Cook, leader of Stockton Borough Council, said: “This is disappointing news but it’s certainly not come as a shock to us because we’re well aware that tough economic conditions and the popularity of online and out of town shopping have put our town centres under great strain.

“We saw this coming and that is exactly why our regeneration of Stockton High Street has been about delivering a town centre that offers different things, and is not just dependent on retail. It’s been as much about hosting events, celebrating heritage and creating pleasant spaces as it has been about shopping."

Jenny Chapman is expected to meet with M&S bosses in the coming weeks regarding the proposal to close the Darlington store.