A CRIMINAL investigation launched after financial concerns were raised at Beamish Museum has concluded that no further action will be taken.

Trustees contacted Durham Constabulary in June 2020 after an internal inquiry into irregularities at the open-air living history attraction, near Stanley.

An official complaint was logged with the force on June 3, around a week after director Richard Evans, resigned from his post.

Read more: Retired electrician Alan Young died after falling from roof

Mr Evans, who had led the team since 2008 and was paid at least £90,000 a year, left following an eight-month period of suspension.

In September 2019, The Northern Echo revealed trustees learned he was facing a disciplinary hearing following a Durham County Council audit completed in late August. that year.

Now 18 months after the police inquiry was launched, Beamish Museum confirmed no further action is to be taken by police.

A statement posted on the museum’s website said: “The board, in line with their duties as trustees of the museum, reported a serious incident to the police last year.

“The police have investigated the matter and concluded that no further action is to be taken.

“We accept this decision. Due to legal and data protection reasons, we have no further comment to make.

“As ever, our number one priority is providing a world-class experience for our much-valued visitors.

“Following government COVID-19 guidance, the museum reopened on April 12 this year and we have had an excellent summer season, welcoming a record 141,000 visitors across August.

“Together with our brilliant team of staff and volunteers, we will continue to build on Beamish’s successes to date, and are looking forward to our ever-popular Christmas festivities.”

Beamish was registered as a charity in 2006, but continues to receive support from local authorities, including Durham County Council, Sunderland City Council, Gateshead Council, South Tyneside Council and North Tyneside Council.

The inquiry was referred to the Charity Commission, which said it was monitoring the situation.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “Last year, Durham Constabulary received a complaint relating to financial matters and an investigation was subsequently launched by detectives in our Economic Crime Unit.
“Following a thorough review of material and interviews with a number of potential witnesses, the force has determined that no further action will be taken in this case.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054