AN INVESTIGATION into claims that thousands of pounds went missing in a York club's lottery scratch card game has been dropped, the Evening Press can reveal.

York Police launched a probe in March into Fulfordgate Working Men's Club, in Heslington Lane, Fulford, after a complaint from several committee members about the losses.

Accountant David Robinson, who has a practice in Fulford, said he had discovered that more than £6,000 was unaccounted for following an audit of club funds.

He then informed members about the discrepancy at their annual general meeting and the matter was reported to the police.

But now detectives say the investigation had been dropped because of a "lack of evidence".

DC Duncan Thackeray, of York Police, said: "I can confirm that our investigation into Fulfordgate club has finished with no arrests being made. There was insufficient evidence.

"But if further evidence comes to light, the case will be reopened."

Club secretary Stephen Howarth told the Evening Press in April that the missing £6,000 related to discrepancies with the club's Lottery King ticket machine over the last five years. Members could buy scratch card tickets from it for £1 to win cash prizes of up to £250.

The machine was installed and maintained by the operators, with the prize money being handed out by the club.

Club president Joe Bowker said: "The police have told us there was a lack of evidence so we just have to take their word for it.

"I'm pleased, but at the same time I would like to have seen it resolved.

"It's just a mystery."

Mr Bowker said they would be holding a meeting for members later this month to notify members.

In an Evening Press article on the York social club scene, Fulfordgate was given a "fair" rating. It was reported to have 541 members, with activities including pool, darts and dominoes.

Updated: 11:09 Friday, August 08, 2003