A SENIOR official suspended by Hyndburn Council today claimed he had been made a scapegoat following the overpayment of councillors' expenses.

Alan Rainford, the council's financial director, confirmed that he was the man who has been under investigation since being suspended on Friday.

The council did not name him when they revealed the action yesterday, saying only that the officer was part of the financial services department and it did not concern a matter of financial irregularities.

Mr Rainford said no specific allegations had been put to him as to why he was under investigation, but "misuse of computer facilities" had been mentioned.

He had asked for evidence but not been shown any, he said.

But Mr Rainford, who lives in Cheshire, said he had felt increasingly marginalised since last January, when there was an investigation into the overpayment of members' allowances.

At the time a report by government officials revealed widespread overclaiming of expenses by members dating back to 1996 because council officers had not been checking expenses correctly.

A total of £20,000 was overclaimed in the 18 months to January 2001, and although £17,400 was written off, £2,900 had to be repaid.

A part-time officer was also appointed to monitor expenses.

Mr Rainford, who has been with the council for three years, said: "I was threatened with disciplinary action by the chief executive, and I felt increasingly vulnerable from then on -- whenever anything went wrong I was going to be made a scapegoat for it.

"Certainly over the last six to eight months my role was diminished to the point of vanishing so I did feel particularly vulnerable, but now we have a change in political control I have felt increasingly marginalised and isolated. Certain comments made me feel I wasn't wanted at the chambers."

The 44-year-old said he had told council manager Mike Chambers he felt his role was becoming untenable.

"On a personal level I felt very depressed and isolated and I think things have just been building up.

"There's hardly been a day in the last few months when I haven't felt like resigning on the spot -- it might have come as a relief if they have forced me out."

"I feel thoroughly sickened and depressed, this is probably the lowest point in my life really, but it's really a continuous feeling of isolation I have felt. I feel out on a limb. I have always felt I have acted in the best interests of the council."

Mr Rainford said he had been given no idea of how long the investigation would take.

Council manager Mike Chambers said the officer could be sacked without notice if concerns proved to be founded but declined to comment any further.

He said: "I don't think it would be appropriate to make any comment. We want to make sure it's done properly and when it's completed we will do what's appropriate."

Former council leader, Coun Peter Britcliffe, Coun Ian Ormerod, the new leader following Labour's election success, and Coun Pamela Barton, portfolio holder for finance, declined to comment on the case.