HARROW Council is investigating allegations of fraud and corruption in work carried out by a large building contractor.

Officers are looking into allegations of fraudulently filled out invoices and inappropriate transfers of money for work carried out by Kier.

The company signed a £125m contract last year to carry out maintenance and improvement work on council houses, schools and other public buildings, and is working jointly with the council to investigate the claims, which was brought forward by whistleblowing sub-contractors.

Councillor David Ashton, leader of the council, issued a statement today, saying: "Harrow Council launched an investigation after several sub-contractors brought allegations of corruption to the attention of a council officer.

“In the course of the council's own investigation which followed, it spoke to two other sub contractors.

"A joint investigation between Harrow Council and Kier is under way. It is important to stress that at present, while serious, these allegations remain unproven.

"However, Harrow Council expects the highest standards of probity from its commercial partners. If any money is found to be owed as a result of these allegations, the authority will look to recoup those losses."

Francesca Byrne, spokesman for Kier, said the company takes the allegations very seriously, but declined to comment further while the investigation, launched three months ago, is ongoing.