Football club faces police probe over car park cash

POLICE have launched a probe into the finances of a top junior football club over a mystery car park renovation.

The investigations are understood to centre on claims Bonnyrigg Rose wrongly spent 26,000 of a 37,500 grant earmarked by Midlothian Council to renovate a rundown car park in 2008.

Originally priced at 75,000, the council agreed to stump up half the money in a matched-funding deal, with the car park to be used as a public amenity throughout the week and club facility on match days. A burned-out pavilion at the club was also to be demolished as part of the work.

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However, a subsequent audit report - which has not been made public - is believed to conclude that just 23,000 was spent on the job and recommends the remaining cash is paid back.

It also claims the work carried out was not "fit for purpose" and failed to comply with disability regulations.

The Evening News understands that the private audit report raises concerns over original invoices for the job, the "unorthodox" tendering process and Midlothian Council's lack of paperwork relating to the grant application and refurbishment.

Council chiefs say "information" unearthed through an internal inquiry has been forwarded to police.

Ian Baxter, chair of Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council, said: "Speaking in my own capacity, it's quite clear the work on the car park has not been done.

"The surface is inadequate, there's no lighting, drainage, signage, and nothing marking the bays, which are all requirements of a public car park. It's not fit for purpose even though it's been stated that the work has been done."

He added: "I would lay a lot of the blame for this at the door of the council because it's a substantial amount of public money they have spent and not followed up to check whether it's been used for correct purposes."

Derek Milligan, a local councillor and Bonnyrigg Rose supporter, said he understood a council official had inspected the car park and was satisfied the work completed had been up to standard.

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He also stressed the current committee was new and not liable for any earlier errors which may have been made.

"It's frustrating for me as a lifetime supporter and it's hitting the club quite hard. I don't think this is the club's doing, I think it was the council that has got this badly wrong.

"It would be a travesty if this was to bring the club to its knees."

Bonnyrigg Rose chairman Charlie Kirkwood said: "It would be absolutely disastrous if we were made to pay this money back. To have to pay out 26,000 would be horrendous especially as we are trying to get back on an even keel."We have been through difficult times before and have come through it and I would fight it with every breath I have."

A Midlothian Council spokesman said: "An internal investigation into this matter has been completed, with information passed to police. A number of areas of concern within the council's processes have been identified and work is under way to strengthen procedures. As a police investigation is under way, no further comment is possible."