South Ribble Borough Council has left itself open to fraud and corruption, according to an internal report obtained by the Citizen.

The issues raised in the 12-page document, dated June 7, 2005, and compiled by a council audit assistant, are now being investigated by the council.

Although council chiefs have questioned the accuracy of the report, they have welcomed the issues it highlighted.

John Dakin, corporate director, policy and governance, said: "An interim report identified a number of concerns raised by an internal review carried out by the council's own auditors.

"This report, although in its early stages, is subject to change and its accuracy has yet to be confirmed.

"Nevertheless the report is extremely welcome as it has highlighted some important issues that the council has already started to address.

"Systems have been and are being reviewed as a result of the internal audit review. Managers have taken action and will continue to act to improve working practices and address the issues raised."

Council leader Howard Gore, said he was hoping to be able to draw conclusions from the investigations as soon as possible.

"I know that some questions have not been answered but we have to go through the correct procedures," he added.