A NORTH Yorkshire museum may be forced to consider reintroducing admission fees for residents in an attempt to bring in more cash.

Richmondshire Museum was one of three Richmond attractions to waive charges for people who live in the town at the start of the new season.

The theory was that the policy may attract residents who have never visited before - and they may return in future with relatives and friends from outside the area who would be subject to a modest admissions fee.

However, although Richmondshire has seen an additional 200 local people go through its doors so far this year, income is actually down.

Museum spokesman Angus Goodfellow said: "We are not on the point of reintroducing charges just yet.

"At the moment, there are only one or two of us who have discussed the financial position.

"However, if things don't improve by the end of the season, then it may well be something we have to consider.

"We are not tied to a formal agreement as far as we understand it, free admission for local residents was something which all three museums thought was worth a try but, if it starts to cost us money, then we may have to look at it again."

The museum shop has benefited from the arrangement, with a number of visitors buying souvenirs of their visit; the hope remains some will also return.

Mr Goodfellow said the museum may also consider new methods of attracting income in an effort to maintain the status quo.

"We don't want to be too pushy or thrust collection boxes at people as they come through the door, but perhaps we could gently point out to all our visitors that donations would be welcome.

"We have a glass bottle which we keep in a discreet area of the museum at the moment but, perhaps if we put it somewhere a more prominent position during our opening hours, it would help generate a little more income.

"Indeed, donations are always welcome and we would be delighted to hear from anyone who feels they would like to make a contribution," he added.