DETAILS of an investigation into the disappearance of tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money from Colchester’s Leisure World are being kept hidden from the public.

Last November The Gazette revealed Essex Police had been called in to investigate an alleged theft at the centre, which had taken place over a period of 18 months.

A female member of staff, aged 32, was dismissed by Colchester Council, which runs the venue..

But after a police investigation, which centred on the venue’s events service which rents out Charter Hall, she was released without charge.

The woman appealed against her dismissal but was unsuccessful.

Council bosses subsequently conducted a widereaching internal investigation, the results of which were put before councillors on Tuesday.

However, they have refused to make any details public, despite attempts by this newspaper to obtain a redacted copy which would have protected the identity of the woman concerned.

The Gazette has secured the backing of senior Colchester politicians.

SEE FRIDAY'S GAZETTE FOR THE FULL STORY