LOCAL artists have lost yet another outlet to advertise and sell their work.

The Bank of Bermuda has confirmed it is bringing the curtain down on public art shows displayed in the windows of the former Trimingham's store on Front Street.

The bank, which owns the derelict property, has been displaying the work of a range of artists since last year while awaiting planning permission to convert the site into a seven-storey office block housing the bank's headquarters.

And although that controversial plan was rejected by the Planning Department, the bank yesterday confirmed that the free art shows will soon be coming to an end.

"Over 50 pieces of local art has been sold as a result of this community initiative from this shop-front gallery and numerous various community events have also been promoted," a bank spokeswoman said.

"Over the past nine months the condition of the building has deteriorated. Due to potential damage to window displays it is therefore no longer feasible to continue to mount window displays."

Bank CEO Philip Butterfield added that the company was confident it will eventually get permission to develop the prime location.

"Bank of Bermuda is pleased to have been able to make this contribution to the community while awaiting the outcome of the planning process," he said.

"We remain confident that our redevelopment plans for 39 Front Street will move forward, thereby enabling us to become even more efficient by consolidating our operations into three Hamilton properties."

In recent years the Windjammer and Heritage House galleries in Hamilton have been forced to close.