WHEN plans were announced last July to turn Barnard Castle's run-down town hall into a modern cultural centre, the future looked brighter for the town's residents.

The Witham Hall is at the centre of the market town and has served as a doctors' surgery, library and community centre since it opened its doors in 1854.

But as it approaches its 150th anniversary, the hall is in desperate need of refurbishment, and members of the hall committee are fighting a losing battle to get people through its doors.

It provides facilities for a wide range of activity groups and educational classes, for people of all ages throughout Teesdale.

The main hall is used for public meetings and entertainment events.

The Castle Gallery shows a series of exhibitions by local artists.

But attendances are dwindling, and the Witham Hall committee decided that without investing money in its future, the hall could be forced to close.

So when an appeal, which is being backed by The Northern Echo, was launched to carry out a multi-million pound improvement scheme, the historic hall's future looked secure.

A public survey to gauge support for the scheme received an overwhelming response from local people, and the fundraising drive got off to an encouraging start.

But then the rate of donations began to slow, and last month the first phase target of £15,000 was only just reached.

Elizabeth Conran, of the appeal committee, said: "When we asked the public whether they wanted to see the Witham Hall brought up to 21st Century standards, we received an overwhelming 'yes'.

"We received donations initially, but on the whole people are happy to voice their support, but will not put their hands in their pockets.

"This is an interactive scheme, and we need to show we have public support by people attending events and giving donations, otherwise big companies and organisations will not feel it is worth supporting, which will hinder any grant applications.

"But at the moment it is embarrassing and frustrating. All we ask is for some public support, otherwise this will not happen."

Plans for the refurbishment and extension programme can be seen at the Witham Hall, and if the funds can be raised in time the work should be completed by 2004.

The scheme includes building a theatre for use by local drama group the Castle Players, renovation of the main hall, and creating a public library, cinema and Internet caf.

Ms Conran said: "We want to be as positive as possible about this, because we are determined to succeed, but we need volunteers to help and more public donations."

Details are available on the Internet at www.teesdalehalls.co.uk/barnard.htm, or by calling (01833) 631107