AN auditor’s report into Bratton Parish Council’s finances has revealed thousands of pounds are missing from its accounts.

It was revelaed at a heated council meeting on Tuesday night, attended by concerned villagers, that police are now investigating the matter.

The Wiltshire Times understands more than £20,000 is missing from the council’s accounts and that fraud squad officers have taken statements from council members.

Independent auditor Kevin Rose was called in in August after new parish councillor Jeff Ligo raised concerns about accounting procedures not being followed.

The report showed that the money was missing and highlighted the council does not maintain a receipt book, payments from the council’s bank account could not be traced to original supporting vouchers, regular budget reports have not been submitted to the council and other accounting errors.

Bratton resident Mr Ligo, who has been chief executive of two major local authorities, including the former West Wiltshire District Council, joined the parish council in June.

On Tuesday Cllr Ligo told the meeting: “All organisations need procedures which control how they operate.

“This is particularly true for financial operations and very important for public authorities which are responsible for managing public money.

“In Bratton Parish Council’s case these procedures have been ignored.

“The Bratton community needs to know that it has been badly let down.

“Everyone who has been elected to the council for some years must accept some responsibility for these failings and I hope there is some regret expressed tonight from some of the current councillors.”

Cllr Ligo’s motion for the council to apologise was not seconded by any of his fellow councillors.

Chairman Amanda Callard said: “We need to be mindful of the police investigation and we need to act with hesitation.”

Cllr Keith Miller disagreed with Cllr Ligo, saying the council had acted on bad advice.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “We can confirm that we are currently investigating a report of suspected financial irregularities whereby Bratton Parish Council are potential victims of financial abuse.

“At the present time, nobody has been charged or been served a summons in relation to any criminal offences. It would be inappropriate to comment further as we continue our enquiries into this matter.”

The council is currently without a clerk after Anita Whittle resigned in September. She was also clerk for Erlestoke, Great Cheverell and Coulston Parish Council, from which she has also resigned.