A Darlington post office is threatened with closure this year as part of a national programme that will see many urban branches shut.

The Post Office is proposing to shut Firth Moor Post Office, in Brignall Moor Crescent, in March because too many branches in the area are competing for too little business.

A spokesman for the Post Office, David Mellows-Facer, said: "We have concluded that if it was to close, it would improve the long-term prospects of the other branches in the area."

He said alternative post offices in Yarm Road, Geneva Road, and Darlington town centre would be ready to cope with the extra customers, if the closure were to go ahead.

However, while the plan has been agreed with the sub-postmaster at Firth Moor, a final decision will not be made about the closure until customers have had an opportunity to express their views.

Mr Mellows-Facer said: "We have a responsibility to ensure that customers in Darlington will continue to have reasonable access to local Post Office products and services.

"We want to hear of any concerns customers and others might have about the closure and the services provided by our nearest alternative branches."

Anyone wishing to comment on the plans is asked to write to Mr Mellows-Facer at the National Consultation Team, PO Box 641, St Albans, AL1 5XN.

Letters must be received by by Monday, February 10.