AN INDOOR market manager has been suspended after admitting a theft charge in court.

Pendle Council has taken the action against Susan Atherton, 42, after she admitted stealing a dress worth £50 from Marks and Spencer, Bolton and trying to obtain a refund by deception.

She was fined £150 and ordered to pay £45 costs by Bolton magistrates.

Mrs Atherton was recruited by the council in April to manage and promote Nelson indoor market as part of a push by the authority to draw more shoppers to the town.

Council managers have already had a preliminary meeting with Mrs Atherton, of Whalley Road, Padiham and a full meeting is expected to be held within the next week to decide her future.

Department manager Bill Hargreaves said: "There will be a meeting with her in the near future to discuss the matter.

"She was put on suspension yesterday on full pay as part of the council procedure."

"She was brought in by the council to manage the indoor market. I have to say she has been a most excellent employee and done a very good job."

The court was told that Mrs Atherton earned £10,000 a year for her part-time position. She has more than 20 years experience in retailing, including two years running a stall in Colne.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.