A PENSIONER accused of taking £2,000 in benefits despite allegedly having £200,000 in the bank is facing arrest after failing to turn up at court.

Reedley magistrates issued a warrant with bail for Kathleen Barker, 72, after she failed to appear to answer the charges yesterday.

Police have now been told to arrest Mrs Barker, of Coal Clough Lane, and take her to court.

The pensioner is facing five charges of making a false statement to Burnley Council that she had no savings or investments but she allegedly had almost £200,000 in savings and investments.

Burnley Council said Mrs Barker was overpaid by £2,784 in benefits, money she has since paid back to the council.