THE man in charge of regenerating the north west will be spoken to by police over an allegedly racist joke he sent in a text message to a friend.

Steve Broomhead, the £180,000-a-year chief executive of the North West Development Agency, will be `advised' by Greater Manchester Police that messages he sent `could be perceived as offensive'.

But GMP have already confirmed they will not be taken any further action, and Mr Broomhead will not face a criminal prosecution.

The joke, which was about a Pakistani shopkeeper, was sent by Mr Broomhead in 2006 to a man who later went on to work for the NWDA.

It was discovered when the recipient handed the phone back to his then employers.

Mr Broomhead apologised at the time.

He was given a formal warning after an internal probe by the NWDA.

It is understood GMP were asked to investigate at least three messages sent by Mr Broomhead, including the joke, some weeks ago.

Indecent

Police sources confirmed the case was being looked at under the Telecommunications Act, which forbids the sending of grossly offensive, indecent, obscene and menacing character.

No prosecution would have been possible because the law requires charges are brought within six months of the alleged offence.

A police spokeswoman said: "GMP can confirm that officers will be speaking to a man regarding an allegation about the circulation of offensive text messages, sent in late 2006.

"The man will not face any criminal prosecution but will be advised that somebody had complained about the text messages, and that they could be perceived as offensive."

A NWDA spokeswoman said: "We are aware that a complaint has been lodged with GMP relating to a text message sent by Steven Broomhead in late 2006.

"This issue was the subject of a complaint to the NWDA made in December 2006, and the circumstances surrounding this complaint were fully investigated.

"The complaint was upheld and appropriate action was taken at that time. GMP have advised that no further action will be taken with regards to this complaint and the Agency regards this matter as closed."

Mr Broomhead declined to comment when contacted by the MEN.