Big Brother's maker has refused to refund the cost of the police investigation into alleged racist bullying in the January series of Celebrity Big Brother.

Hertfordshire police have criticised producer Endemol for refusing to pay for the enormous' amount of work created by the allegations of racism during the reality television show, made at Elstree Film Studios in Shenley Road, Borehamwood.

A report, written by Deputy Chief Constable Simon Parr, is due to be discussed by members of Hertfordshire Police Authority today.

It says Endemol refused to pay the £14,500 cost of the investigation, meaning taxpayers will have to bear the cost. The report also expresses disappointment' that Endemol did not hand over unbroadcast footage to help police enquiries.

Dep Chief Con Parr wrote: "The decision taken by Endemol to broadcast the material had a direct impact on the constabulary, creating an enormous amount of extra work."

Police are now in discussions with Endemol about the future of dealing with Big Brother. Last year, police reclaimed £115,983 from Endemol to cover costs.

A statement from Channel 4 said: "The decision to investigate Celebrity Big Brother was made solely by Hertfordshire police and no charges were brought.

"Endemol and Channel 4 made it clear they did not believe this was an appropriate matter for police investigation, a view later confirmed by the Crown Prosecution Service. As such, we do not believe Endemol or Channel 4 should bear responsibility for costs incurred by this investigation."