A STREET team member working for town centre management company InSwindon has been suspended amid a probe into claims that he approached retailers for financial loans.

Kulv Gopal is at the centre of an investigation by the firm after complaints from traders.

Chief executive Simon Jackson is understood to be looking into the claims.

Mr Gopal joined the street team in July 2008 after working in the security industry, both in a frontline and operational capacity, in the south of England.

His main responsibilities are to provide radio training for the Swindon Crime Reduction Initiative Partnership network, attend the rough sleepers panel and deal with the day-to-day running of the town centre.

The street team are described by InSwindon as “professional ambassadors” whose job it is to make the town centre feel safe.

A worker in the town’s security industry, who asked not to be named, said: “The allegations are that Kulv asked other security guards and traders for money without the knowledge of InSwindon.

“This included personnel working at big department stores and some of the smaller shops.

“One of the people he approached was allegedly offered a position with InSwindon.

“The local retailers who were approached have contacted the management company.

“Kulv was suspended and the investigation has gone on for several weeks.

“Simon Jackson has acted because the accusations are very serious for a team which is meant to be assisting local businesses.”

Another worker for town agency familiar with InSwindon confirmed an investigation was under way.

The company is a Business Improvement District (BID) firm which is mainly financed by retailers in the centre of town.

A spokeswoman for InSwindon said Mr Jackson had no comment to make.