Job-selection methods within Bradford Council are under the microscope after allegations of nepotism and cronyism in the authority.

The serious claims against senior figures were made in a news-sheet circulated around City Hall last autumn by a group calling itself The Whistle Blower.

Later, anonymous letters were sent to Assistant Director of Legal Services Gerry Danby and Standards Committee chairman, the Rt Rev David Smith, Bishop of Bradford.

The group - claiming to be members of council staff - pointed out that even though they were unable to give their names, their claims should be investigated under new codes set up by the council this year.

Now Mr Danby, the council's official monitoring officer, is making an initial inquiry into the allegations. He said the results would dictate whether there should be an official inquiry

But a batch of entirely unconnected new allegations have been made anonymously on the Internet about membership procedures with the Newlands Single Regeneration Budget partnership.

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton has put a notice of motion to next Tuesday's council meeting expressing alarm about the allegations surrounding the board, which spearheads the regeneration of five Bradford North estates.

Mr Danby said he expected to take a report on the 'Whistle Blower' allegations to the standards committee - set up to maintain irreproachable conduct within the authority - in October.

It would be the first potentially serious matter to be referred to the committee.

Coun Eaton said she was aware of the Internet allegations but all anonymous complaints were difficult to investigate unless people came forward.

The authority now had a mechanism to protect people who wanted to make complaints in confidence.