PLANS to close four post offices in Darlington were announced yesterday.

Post Office Ltd said the proposals were to safeguard the viability of the town's remaining 15 outlets.

The four under threat are Eastbourne post office in Eastbourne Road; Greenbank post office in Salisbury Terrace; Pierremont post office in Hollyhurst Road; and Victoria Road post office.

Elsewhere, the Newgate Street office in Bishop Auckland and Neville Parade post office in Newton Aycliffe also face the axe.

David Mellows-Facer, Post Office area head for Durham and the North-East, said the proposals followed talks with the sub-postmasters involved.

"Proposals to close post offices are not made without considerable research and discussion," he said

"The harsh reality is that many urban offices are struggling to survive because there are too many branches for the amount of business."

Urban post offices have suffered from a declining number of customers, increased running costs and the switch to benefits being paid direct into accounts.

He was confident the remaining offices could cope with the extra business created.

Major Singh, of Pierremont post office, said business had been declining for a while.

"Computerisation is one of the contributing factors," he said. "Everyone is on electronic payments now."

Kenneth Howard, of Greenbank post office, said: "It's very difficult now as we are getting fewer and fewer customers and there are too many post offices close together.

"All post offices are losing trade with benefits being paid into bank accounts.

"I've been holding the fort since my sister died but the shop is closing altogether and the premises will be sold."

Jean Wells, of Eastbourne post office, said: "Business is very much down. We have lost a lot of customers due to the changeover to banking. It's not a viable business any more and we will close altogether."

Victoria Road post office declined to comment.

The closures are part of a review of the 51 urban post offices in Durham and the North-East, of which 11 face the axe. If agreed, the offices will begin to close in November.

However, Mr Mellows-Facer said he was keen to hear the views of customers before a decision was taken.

Comments should be sent to the National Consultation Team, PO Box 2060, Watford, WD18 8ZW before September 27.