OFFICERS have dropped an investigation into alleged manipulation of air quality data at Cheshire East Council.

The issue was flagged up in 2017 when a report found 'deliberate and systematic manipulation of data' at diffusion tubes used to measure air pollution in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

It was one of seven matters being looked at by Cheshire Police involving the local authority at one time, but in a statement the force now says it will not be taking any further action on the investigation.

A spokesman at Cheshire Police said: "In 2017, Cheshire East Council reported concerns to Cheshire Constabulary relating to alleged deliberate manipulation of air quality data.

"Detectives have conducted a thorough investigation, however no further action will be taken by the police at this time in respect of this matter.

"It has now been referred back to the council for their consideration. Should any new information come to light, a further review may be undertaken."

It is the third high-profile police investigation into CEC to have been dropped over the past year.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said in June there was a lack of evidence to make a conviction regarding alleged misconduct and fraud relating to CEC awarding a contract to Core Fit – which was run by Amanda Morris, who was former council leader Michael Jones' physiotherapist.

Pressure surrounding the controversy led to Mr Jones stepping down as leader in December 2015, and following the CPS announcement, he hit out at the way Cheshire Police handled the case and called for an urgent inquiry.

Cheshire Police also confirmed in June that an investigation into misconduct relating to grant funding for a primary school car park in Wistaston had concluded with no further action.

Investigations into four allegations regarding land transactions in Middlewich and Crewe remain ongoing at this time.