Chippenham's Citadel Gallery looks set to close at the end of August, leaving the town without a public gallery.

Artists and gallery visitors are angry the popular exhibition venue is likely to shut, because the district council does not have the money to rent or refurbish an alternative site.

A report to North Wiltshire District Council's executive committee, which is due to meet tonight, recommends the gallery be closed at the end of the current programme.

"It seems to me extremely short-sighted," said artist Steve Mills.

"There is a thriving collection of artists and craftsmen in the area, some very good and of international renown, and they all think it is a brilliant gallery."

The Tourist Information Centre, which is also housed in the Bath Road building, is due to move to the renovated Yelde Hall in September, when the lease of the Citadel comes to an end, but the gallery has nowhere to go.

A report to the executive committee recommends the council keeps looking for an alternative gallery.

Anna Taylor, from the New Road shop Quetzal, said the gallery had brought business to her shop. "It is good for the town and good for our business," she said.