THE former chairman of a North-East council has been charged with stealing thousands of pounds from a community association in his ward.

Alex Clements, 60, who stepped aside as chairman of Wear Valley District Council, in County Durham, following his arrest in October, is accused of thefts totalling £3,738.

He faces two separate charges of stealing £2,000 and £1,738.48 during his time as treasurer of Henknowle Community Association.

The charges follow a three-month investigation by Durham Police's economic crime unit, which is based at the Aykley Heads headquarters, in Durham City. They were put to the councillor when he answered bail at Bishop Auckland police station yesterday.

He will appear before the town's magistrates court for the first time on January 6.

The police investigation started at the beginning of October after Wear Valley District Council and Durham County Council raised concerns over the running of the community association.

Councillor Clements immediately stood down as chairman in favour of his deputy, Eddie Murphy, from Crook.

His membership of the Labour Party was suspended at the same time.

A councillor for five years, he was elected to the chairman's post in May following a year as vice-chairman.

He held a number of voluntary posts in his Henknowle ward, where he has been a popular and respected figure.

He served as chairman of governors at St Andrew's Primary School, and for many years ran Playdays, a holiday play scheme for disabled children in Bishop Auckland, which was the charity he pledged to support during his year in office.

Iain Phillips, the district council's chief executive, said last night: "Councillor Clements stepped aside as chairman but is still a member of the council. We note the news and await developments. In the interim, Councillor Murphy will continue to act as chairman."

A spokesman for Labour Party North said: "His suspension will continue until we get the full details of the police investigation."