A COUNCIL officer has resigned after an internal inquiry revealed financial irregularities within his department.

Hyndburn Council's Licensing Officer Robin Hargreaves, has quit -- just a fortnight after being suspended from his post in the licensing department.

Former bus driver Mr Hargreaves' main duty was to supervise the area's taxi drivers.

Hyndburn Council deputy chief executive Dan Sherry said today: "I can confirm that Mr Hargreaves has resigned with immediate effect. "This follows an internal audit into financial irregularities within the department.

"Mr Hargreaves resigned earlier this week after being suspended nearly two weeks ago when the internal audit was launched.

"The report from the auditors has now been placed in the hands of the relevant authorities, including the police, who we are in contact with."

The chairman of the Hyndburn Taxi Drivers' Association, Mohammed Arif, today called for the council to reveal all.

He said: "We have no idea what has happened but I think we have a right to know.

"The council should tell us."

Mr Hargreaves was not available for comment.