A VEIL of secrecy has descended on the corruption inquiry involving senior Bournemouth Borough Council officer Steve Lelliott.

Police and council bosses are remaining tight-lipped about the investigation. Some of the authority's most senior councillors are in the dark about what is going on.

Steve Lelliott, the borough's head of technical services, was arrested last week by police.

David Windebank, managing director of R&D Construction Civil Engineering Contractors, was also questioned.

R&D won two major council contracts totalling more than £230,000 last year - to carry out phase two of the Southbourne Grove enhancements scheme and to install traffic signals at the junction of Whitelegg Way and Wimborne Road. The award of both contracts was reported to the borough's transport and works committee.

Bournemouth Borough Council would not confirm or deny yesterday whether Mr Lelliott had been suspended. Even the chairman of the council's personnel committee does not know.

A council spokesman would only say: "Appropriate measures are being taken."

Dorset police said: "Investi-gations are continuing."

It is believed police visited the Town Hall yesterday to inquire about alleged discrepancies in a foreshore maintenance contract.

Independent councillor Ron Whittaker said he was shocked at Mr Lelliott's arrest. "All I know is he's a terrific officer and when I go to him with constituency problems he makes sure that they're dealt with quickly and efficiently," he said.