IT'S D-Day on Friday - with the District Auditor finally making a decision on the £2.5 million Crinkley Bottom fiasco, described by Noel Edmonds as the biggest local government scandal of modern times.

In a letter sent to Lancaster City Council and other interested parties this week, Mr Clive Portman says he expects to publish his decisions on the various objections and to produce a statement outlining the reasons.

The report has been a long time coming - and principal objector Michael Ford says it's 'long overdue'.

"It's nearly five years since I first made my concerns known to the auditor. If this is an example of accountability in local government then the system is flawed," says Mr Ford.

If the auditor finds against officers and councillors involved in the failed theme park deal, he could surcharge them for wasting tax-payers' money.

Mr Portman's investigations, which have included 24 interviews with 20 different individuals, have also been estimated to cost up to £500,000.

Last year a note of preliminary views was released that said the council's actions during the failed venture had, in parts, been unlawful, irrational, mistaken and imprudent.

A special press conference has been organised at the Town Hall for Friday afternoon where new chief executive Mark Cullinan and the various political leaders will give their response.