A SENIOR officer at Hyndburn Borough Council has been suspended, it was revealed today.

The senior manager, a member of the financial services department, was suspended on full pay pending an investigation.

Council manager Mike Chambers said concerns had been raised through an internal audit report.

Deputy council manager Dan Sherry said: "While I am in a position to confirm that a senior member of the financial services staff has been suspended, it's not council policy or procedure to disclose details of the individual or the position held.

"The concerns that have been raised are ones that need to be fully investigated in accordance with the council's policies and procedures.

"As there is a further investigation to be completed it would clearly be inappropriate to disclose further details at this stage, although I would stress that this is not a matter of any financial irregularities."

Mr Chambers would not identify the officer but said if the concerns were founded the council had several options available from taking no action to instant dismissal without notice.

He said: "Our disciplinary code is the best way to ensure these things are dealt with fairly. We are in the first stage of an investigation that suggests there may be matters to be dealt with under our code."

Opposition leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said the investigation could take two weeks.

"If there has been some malpractice, it's extremely important it's flushed out and it's quite right an inquiry should be taking place so that justice can take its course.

"I understand there is a suggestion of some misdemeanour but at this stage I'm not aware of what it is although it is not of a financial nature. Like everyone else I will await the result of the investigation."