A Darlington artist has appealed for the town's art gallery to be retained.

Darlington Borough Council is considering removing the gallery from the Crown Street library to make way for a public access computer suite.

The proposal has been prompted by a review following Government legislation setting out new standards for libraries and museums, and plans to improve disabled access at the library.

Proposals are being considered for a lift to be installed at the Crown Street entrance to the library.

A council spokesman said the use of all areas of the building was being considered.

The council has already confirmed it is not taking bookings for the gallery beyond next year because of the review.

But while there are alternative venues in Darlington for artists to exhibit their work, including the Arts Centre in Vane Terrace, June Stephenson believes the gallery should be preserved.

Mrs Stephenson, a committee member of the Darlington Society of Artists who has exhibited at the gallery on a number of occasions, said: "It is a tourist and cultural asset for the town."

She suggested space could be found for the computer access elsewhere, possibly at the town hall.

The Crown Street Library opened in 1885 under the Library Act and was built by GG Hoskins, a renowned local architect.

The gallery was added in 1933, initially as a basic reading room, before it was developed.

A council spokesman said the proposals were a long way from completion and that nothing had been finalised.