AN investigation is underway into claims of sexual harassment and drinking inside Bolton town hall.

Chief executive Bernard Knight is heading the probe into Tory councillor Paul Brierley's claims that he has a dossier of complaints of harassment from 12 current and former employees.

Mr Knight has met Cllr Brierley and Cllr Alan Rushton, Tory group leader, along with senior council officials as part of the investigation, which he hopes to complete in the next fortnight.

Bolton MP Ruth Kelly has written to the council asking to be kept informed of its conclusions and any action taken as a result. There was a furore at the town hall when Cllr Brierley branded it a "cesspit of immorality" during a full council meeting. Labour councillors called his comments a slur.

Following the private meeting, Bernard Knight said: "I have not finished the investigation and until it is completed it is inappropriate to comment.

"Hopefully it will not take too long until it is completed and then I can say something."

Cllr Brierley said he was pleased that he had been invited to the meeting.

"I think it was constructive, I got a chance to voice my views and they had their own questions and comments.

"I'm pleased that the Chief Executive is taking these claims seriously and hopeful that the investigation will have a satisfactory conclusion.

"I would like to see changes in the way procedures are followed when staff make complaints and also more transparency in the way the town hall operates."

Ruth Kelly had earlier written to the council following a complaint from a constituent about use of alcohol in the town hall but did not receive a reply.

A spokesman for the MP said she had now written to the leader of Bolton Council, Cllr Bob Howarth. He said: "Ruth has asked to be kept informed about the investigation."