TOWN chiefs were today remaining tight-lipped over five completed probes involving allegations of theft and exploitation in Ipswich's corridors of power.

TOWN chiefs were today remaining tight-lipped over five completed probes involving allegations of theft and exploitation in Ipswich's corridors of power.

Whistleblowers triggered the five investigations at Ipswich Borough Council's Grafton House HQ last year, but despite each of the probes being concluded mystery continues to surround the allegations.

Two of the cases related to the “theft of time” by employees, two cases involved allegations of theft, one of which also involved an “exploitation” claim while a further case was linked to one of the other investigations.

The investigations, which saw anti-fraud officers quiz council staff, were revealed by The Evening Star last March.

A spokeswoman for the council said the allegations made in the first two cases, both linked, were found to be unfounded and possibly malicious.

The two cases regarding theft of time were cancelled as the employee involved no longer works for the council.

The final investigation was dropped due to a lack of evidence.

A spokeswoman for Ipswich Borough Council declined to provide details of what the allegations involved.

She said: “We are not able to release any additional information.”

Should the council be more open about goings-on at Grafton House? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk