Police find no evidence of any Cheltenham cut-price deal with local fire chief

Gloucestershire Police on Wednesday stated that it had been provided with no evidence of criminal wrongdoing after allegations Cheltenham racecourse had been undercharged by the local fire chief in exchange for festival hospitality.

A whistleblower claimed in a BBC report that Stewart Edgar, the chief fire officer of Gloucester Fire & Rescue Service until his resignation last year, negotiated a cheaper rate for its services with the racecourse for the use of a hospitality box in return.

Edgar said in a statement to the BBC that he denied any wrongdoing and he "does not accept acting improperly at any time."

The matter was referred to the police last week by Gloucestershire County Council, which oversees the fire department, following an internal audit of the service.

However, a spokesman for Gloucestershire police said: "On Friday, October 4 we received further documentation from the county council in relation to their audits of the fire & rescue service.

"This has now been assessed and currently what we have received does not constitute evidence of criminality. We will continue to review information as it is submitted."

The fire department has a statutory duty, according to the council, to work with Cheltenham racecourse to provide services "to reduce suffering or harm to animals and riders."

During the Cheltenham Festival, the fire service would typically provide eight staff on each of the four days, each covering a ten-hour shift.

Cheltenham was charged £10,950 for fire services in 2015, £5,460 in 2016 and £4,550 in 2018, the last year Edgar was in his role.

However, it was not charged in 2017, a fact the racecourse put down to having not yet invoiced for the work.

The course was charged £14,960 this year, according to figures obtained by a BBC freedom of information request.

Cheltenham denied offering hospitality in return for services. A spokesperson said: "We have not provided any hospitality in exchange for services from Gloucestershire fire & rescue or any individual associated with the service.

"Costs fluctuate on an annual basis with our suppliers across the board, based on what services we need. Any non-payment for services in 2017 will be because we have yet to be invoiced for payment."

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