A TEESDALE art gallery is appealing for more residents to use it amid fears it could be forced to close.

The Nest, in Barnard Castle, is facing a ‘use it or lose it’ situation with cash worries and warned it could have to shut if trade does not pick over the next few months.

Gallery assistant, Phoebe Shaw, said the gallery was facing problems despite having a good summer.

“The summer was busy, but obviously with winter the tourists go home and it does quiet down,” she said.

“We lost quite a lot of customers so I think that’s why it’s quiet but it’s really the locals that we need to get back.”

The gallery was transformed from a car salesroom and opened in 2010 after being funded by arts grants.

Ms Shaw said the Nest had introduced a new menu and were trying several ways to attract visitors such as regularly changing their featured artists and offering talks with the likes of BBC TV antiques expert, writer and artist, David Harper.

They also have a digital projector and an Apple Mac that visitors can use especially if they wish to hire the space.

Events happening this month include a Scandinavian folk art workshop on Saturday, January 17 while a batik-painting course will take place on Monday, January 26.

Other regular classes include drawing workshops for beginners every Wednesday and life drawing lessons on Thursday nights.

Ms Shaw added: “I think there is nothing like us out there and customers that are regular say it has a lovely atmosphere and a lot of people come in just for the coffee.”

For more information call the gallery on 01833-695172 or email barnardcastlenest@gmail.com