A CHIEF Constable has been cleared by an independent inquiry of misleading a police authority over a £7.3m financial "black hole".

Last night, Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price said he was relieved to have been cleared but just wanted to get on with his job.

Mr Price was accused of withholding information about the looming crisis, which has led to lay-offs across the force, as long ago as last October.

The allegations were made by Steve Preval, the force's financial director, who remains suspended while claims of mismanagement are investigated.

Earlier this week, members of Cleveland Police Authority met behind closed doors to consider a report from independent solicitor Graham Gordon and the legal opinion of a QC, Lord Carlile of Berriew.

Breaking his silence yesterday, only after the police authority issued a statement to say that no action would be taken against him, Mr Price said: "I welcome the result of this inquiry which has completely exonerated me from what were serious allegations at a time when the force is reducing crime, performing well and facing new challenges.

"It is good to be able to draw a line under this issue and to concentrate on the future."

Mr Price added: "I look forward to continuing to work with the authority in improving the quality of life for our communities.''

The vice-chairman of the police authority, Councillor Dave McLuckie, said: "We have undertaken a full and independent preliminary inquiry and I believe that we should now draw a line under this issue.

"We are satisfied that the Chief Constable neither lied to, or attempted to mislead the authority, nor did he attempt to conceal from the authority anything it was his duty to disclose."

A statement issued by the police authority said: "As a result of allegations relating to the Chief Constable and matters involving financial problems facing the force and the authority earlier this year, Cleveland Police asked its independent legal advisor to conduct a preliminary investigation in order to assist the authority in deciding on what, if any, action should be taken."

The statement said the authority had now had the chance to consider the report of that investigation.

The authority said the Chief Constable's running of the force had met appropriate standards.

Before reaching its conclusion, the authority said it had taken legal advice. It also pointed out that the control and direction of the force was solely the Chief Constable's responsibility.

The statement added: "It further agreed that no proceedings under police conduct regulations should be taken in regard to the allegations.

"What is important is that the authority and the Chief Constable now move forward together to deal with the major challenges facing the force in responding to needs and concerns of our local communities."