A HIGH street police station is up for sale in a move that is expected to save North Yorkshire Police £2.5m over five years.

The region’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Julia Mulligan has announced that Northallerton Police Station is set to be sold, with services moved to the force’s new headquarters at Alverton Court.

Speculation is now likely to be rife over whether the town centre building could be turned into a Wetherspoons pub.

The company had planned to open a new Wetherspoons in the former Rutson Hospital site in Northallerton but pulled out early last year due to perceived difficulties in construction while building work was taking place at the new M&S.

When questioned about possible interest in the police station site, a spokesman said: “Wetherspoon is still interested in opening a pub in the town. It hasn’t looked at this site yet but might do so.”

The custody suite in Northallerton has already been closed during a year-long trial and now the Chief Constable has recommended its permanent closure.

Custody services will now principally be provided at Harrogate, but in certain circumstances the custody facilities at Darlington and Middlesbrough will be made available.

Ms Mulligan, said: “Based on the operational recommendation of the Chief Constable and significant savings we have identified, it is the right time to sell Northallerton Police Station.

“The custody suite itself has been closed for a year now and although there were some initial problems, these have been overcome.

“£2.5 million is a very significant sum to be saved, and my decision to sell Northallerton police station will allow the Chief Constable and I to ensure other areas of policing can see the investment they need.”

The front counter service in Northallerton will close on October 31.

People will instead be able to make enquiries or report crime face-to-face, between 8am to 8pm seven days a week at Alverton Court.

Although Northallerton Police Station will not be accessible to the public from October 31, it is still an active part of the police estate and for the meantime will continue to have teams working in the building until it has been sold.