A museum may auction off its exhibits to help fund a £1.6 million extension.

A number of artefacts from the vaults of Maidstone Museum may be sold, if permission is given by Maidstone council.

They include unwanted museum equipment, reference materials and de-accessioned artefacts and specimens.

Work to reorganise the museum’s storerooms in advance of the 2009 development has uncovered many duplicate artefacts which could raise money at auction.

If money from the sale of these items is not used to benefit the remaining collections, the council would be in contravention of the Museum Association’s Code of Conduct.

A decision will be made by cabinet member for leisure and culture Cllr Brian Moss (Con).