I think it is a little confusing as they are so close! Houghton and Easington aren't exactly millions of miles apart!
Although, really Peterlee/Sedgefield 239 could be renumbered really?
It's the same when GNE had the 29 to Heworth, I didn't think that was very good due to the GNE/Nexus 29 from Gateshead.
Using the same service numbers is okay but it should be more spread apart.
RE: Go North East: Upcoming Service Changes