A POLICE investigation involving a Castle Point councillor has been dropped.

Former planning chairman Bill Sharp was told yesterday no evidence had been found by police since the launch of the investigation in March 2007.

The 59-year-old councillor, of Softwater Lane, Hadleigh, faced accusations he had breached council rules by supplying free football tickets to fellow members which he did not declare.

Councillors who attended Southend United's 1-0 victory over Manchester United in a Carling Cup game at Roots Hall on November 7, as well as another Blues game at the Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff, in March 2004, were asked to detail how the tickets were paid for and how they travelled there.

Police also seized the St James ward councillor's computer during the investigation, but at his home yesterday, Mr Sharp said he was told no evidence had been found to support the allegations.

The councillor said he never doubted the outcome of the investigation, but was glad the cloud of suspicion could now be lifted.

He said: "I am enormously relieved and my faith in the justice system has been restored. These accusations and allegations, which have caused my life to be turned upside down and have caused deep distress to my family and friends, have been proved to be completely without foundation."

Mr Sharp said he would soon be formally told who brought the allegations and he added: "I am aware where these accusations have come from and will be speaking to my lawyers."

Pam Challis, leader of Castle Point Council, said she was also relieved to hear the news. She said: "This is very good news for Conservative councillors. The allegations have been hanging over our heads. We have also been constantly reminded of them by comments made in the Houses of Parliament by the borough's MP.

"Hopefully this will put an end to all these allegations. It is very good news and I am very pleased for Bill because it must be a weight of his mind."

Essex Police confirmed the investigation had been dropped.