CAMPAIGNERS against an activity centre being built at the former North Yorkshire Police headquarters are asking questions over the sale of the historic hall.

It was announced earlier this year that Newby Wiske Hall, near Northallerton, was being sold by the police to PGL who have submitted plans for the creation of a children's activity at the site.

The sale was overseen by North Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Julia Mulligan who told residents in a letter announcing the sale that she believed PGL would be a good neighbour for the village.

However, more that 180 people have since objected to PGL's application to change the building's use and the meeting of the North Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel will be asked whether residents were adequately consulted by the PCC over the plans.

In a letter to the meeting, at Selby Civic Chamber today Newby Wiske resident David Stockport asks the panel whether it accepts that residents' wishes have not been listened to.

He advises that the PCC should withdraw from the sale while it is still "subject to contract" and asks the panel whether it accepts that Newby Wiske Hall and its grounds are within a Conservation Area and that the plans are unsuitable.

He adds: "Finally do the panel accept that working with and consulting local residents and representatives a plan could be developed which would meet the needs of the village, the wishes of residents and allow the PCC to obtain outline planning consent for a development which will increase the value of the hall and grounds to the financial benefit of the police?"

The questions are expected to be discussed at the open section of the meeting.