POLICE are investigating possible instances of fraud in the council's waste collection service. North Somerset Council leader Alan Hockridge has confirmed a police probe is under way into the waste contract carried out from April 1998 to February 2003. At

POLICE are investigating possible instances of fraud in the council's waste collection service.North Somerset Council leader Alan Hockridge has confirmed a police probe is under way into the waste contract carried out from April 1998 to February 2003.At a recent full council meeting, Cllr Bob Coleman asked the council leader about 'the matters now being investigated by the police in relation to potential fraud in our waste tonnage'.Cllr Hockridge said: "I can confirm the police investigation is current and the council is co-operating with the enquiries. A confidential briefing note was provided to all members on March 8 and I have nothing to add to that briefing at this time."A council spokesman said he hoped a report on the police investigation would be completed by the end of the summer.A police spokesman said: "A local resident made a complaint to the police last year about the waste management contract involving various contractors used by North Somerset Council."The police investigation into the matter, in conjunction with the council and the Audit Commission, is progressing and enquiries are continuing.