A NORTH-EAST MP has come under fire for his perceived inactivity over the planned post office closures.

Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors in Darlington have demanded to know what the town's MP, Alan Milburn, is doing about proposals to close five post offices in the borough.

However, Mr Milburn said he has been lobbying the Post Office to try to keep open some of the branches scheduled for closure.

The Labour MP was heavily criticised for his decision to vote against a parliamentary motion to suspend the compulsory closure programme.

At the latest meeting of Darlington full council, opposition members urged Labour counterparts to use their influence when they selected their next parliamentary candidate.

The council unanimously condemned the closures and has sent representations to Post Office Ltd, detailing its objections.

During the meeting, questions were asked about Mr Milburn's stance on the issue.

The Conservative shadow cabinet member for the economy, Councillor Alan Coultas, said: "Last week in parliament he had the opportunity to vote to suspend the closure of 2,500 sub-post offices. He did the opposite and voted for closure.

"At the very least, he should be required to explain his position to the members of this chamber and to the people of Darlington.

There is much anger about this and comments that this is what brings politicians into disrepute."

Conservative councillor Ian Galletley said: "People are concerned about our MP because they don't know what he thinks on this issue. We just don't know what his attitude is - he may well have many secret plans for what he wants to do, but he's not telling us about them.

"He's not as close to this prime minister as he was to the last, so perhaps we're expecting a little much for him to do something special for Darlington."

Liberal Democrat leader Martin Swainston called for council leader John Williams to use his influence within the Labour Party and any MP selection panel to influence Mr Milburn.

Coun Swainston told him: "Rather than wringing your hands you should be ringing Alan Milburn to get something done about it."

Last night, Mr Milburn said he had received nearly 600 letters from constituents about the post office closures.

He added he was aware of the concern in the community about the plans to close post office in Cleveland Terrace, Hopetown Lane and Pierremont Crescent, which are in his constituency.

He said: "I've met Royal Mail, a lot of people have contacted me and I've written to a lot of people reflecting their concerns.

"Hopetown Lane post office is at the very upper end of the viability figures and there's a strong argument for keeping it open.

"In the west end of Darlington, two post offices very close to each other are to shut and this would leave a lot of people without any post office nearby.

"I've urged them to look at these figures and also the extent of the local community concerns and look again at the plan to close these post offices."