A POLICE probe into allegations of criminal maladministration over the controversial park-and-ride scheme at Winchester has been dropped.

Hampshire fraud squad was called in last year to investigate complaints of the misuse of public money by the Conservative county council.

The three complainants, Keith Story and David Croker, both one-time Tory supporters, and Alan Weeks compiled a 36-page dossier.

They alleged 13 examples of inaccurate or misleading information were presented at the 1997 public inquiry into plans for the extra 450 spaces on the former A33 bypass at Bar End.

The three claimed that the effect of the alleged deceptions was to gain permission and some £3 million in government grants.

The scheme was hugely controversial and protesters delayed completion until early this year. The landscaping for the £3.2 million scheme will be finished this summer.

Winchester CID handled the initial complaint and referred the case to the Hamble-based fraud squad.

In a letter to Mr Story, Det Insp David Dilly said: "My officers have conducted an investigation into the complaint that you made concerning the granting of various permissions regarding the building of the car park.

"I have reviewed the results of tat investigation and I am satisfied that on the basis of the paperwork that you supplied to my officers, there is no evidence that any criminal offences have been committed by any person connected with this incident."

Mr Story, of St Cross Road, said he had written to the Independent Police Complaints Commission raising questions about the police inquiries.

He said: "Questions have arisen about the adequacy of the investigation, including their failure to advise us of their progress, their failure to question all witnesses and the leakage by the police of information about the investigation to the council."

Mr Story said he has asked the commission to refer the matter to a neutral force to investigate.

Council leader Ken Thornber said: "I believe Keith Story has exhausted every possible avenue. I hope he will let park and ride settle down and be the success we all think it will be."

Of the questioning of his officers' honesty, Mr Thornber said: "We try to be as professional as we possibly can. I had no doubt our officers would be found to have been entirely professional."