AN ORGANISED crime unit is investigating claims of improper conduct at Cheshire East Council.

For several months Cheshire Police have been investigating the council after waived its own financial rules to award contracts totalling £156,000 to Core Fit Ltd.

Core Fit runs fitness classes in schools and is owned by Amanda Morris, the personal physiotherapist of Cllr Michael Jones, who was leader of the council at the time.

Michael Jones has since resigned as leader and confirmed on Tuesday that he will be resigning as CEC councillor for Bunbury. He denies any wrongdoing.

Today, Cheshire Police has revealed that the investigation has been passed to TITAN, the north west regional organised crime unit.

"For several months, Cheshire Constabulary has conducted an investigation into alleged improper conduct at Cheshire East Council,” a police spokesman said.

“The investigation has so far proved to be extremely lengthy and complex, and it is anticipated it will be many more months before a conclusion is reached.

“Now, in the interests of impartiality and to maintain the credibility of the ongoing investigation, a decision has been taken to pass the investigation over to officers at the regional TITAN unit.

“We would like to stress that this decision has been made to ensure the integrity of the investigation and all those involved, in light of the fact that the Constabulary and the local authority enjoy a healthy, professional working relationship.

“No inferences should be drawn regarding the core investigative focus of the TITAN organisation.”

A spokesman for CEC said: “Cheshire East Council is co-operating fully with the police so they can carry out all necessary lines of inquiry.

“As this investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”