THE sale of artefacts from a former police headquarters has been shelved after objections from retired officers.

North Yorkshire Police was due to sell silverware, trophies, medals and other artefacts from its former Newby Wiske Hall headquarters – some of which had been gifted to the force.

A silver cup engraved with Green Howard insignia and presented to the officers of the North Riding Constabulary from the Green Howards was one of the items due to go under the hammer yesterday (Friday, November 24).

Serving officers and members of North Yorkshire’s Association of Retired Police Officers voiced their anger at such items being put up for sale at Wilsons Auctioneers in Danby, Scotland.

The force moved from its historic HQ at the grade II listed Newby Wiske Hall, into a specially designed base at Alverton Court, Northallerton, earlier this year.

Assistant Chief Constable Amanda Oliver, said: “My thanks go to the retired officers who raised this issue.

“We have now decided to postpone the auction due to the level of concern and feedback we received about the sale.

“Although a great deal of work and consultation was carried out to review each item before they were put up for auction, and we did, in fact, retain a large number of artefacts prior to the proposed sale, we will carry out a further review before any sale goes ahead.”

North Yorkshire’s Association of Retired Police Officers is to be consulted before any final decisions are made.

Keith Moore, a retired police officer, claimed there was a “perception of secrecy” surrounding the sale.

“The items were all bought for specific purposes by members or supporters of the police in the county and presented in good faith as a token of that support,” he added.

“The memorabilia which consists of silverware, cups, silver trays, medals, plaques, paintings and other such items represents the history of policing in North Yorkshire from the early days of the Ridings.

“As much as possible should be retained and displayed with pride in the new headquarters.”

However, he said it was reassuring the force had postponed the sale to review the situation.

ACC Oliver added: “The review will also include a decision on the most appropriate location to hold the auction in future.

“We will keep members of the public informed about the outcome of the review through our website.”