UNION bosses have protested over the appointment of a convicted arsonist as clerk to a council where an alleged victim's relative is employed.

Elizabeth Bolton, 48, of Palace Gardens, Burnley was convicted last year of petrol bombing a man's car. Alleged offences of indecent assault on a teenage girl were allowed to lie on the court file.

She has now been appointed town clerk for Padiham Town Council, where one of the girl's relatives works, prompting outrage from the family.

Today Unison, the union representing the relative, said that in the circumstances Padiham Council was wrong to appoint Mrs Bolton.

Arrangements have been made with council officials so that the two council employees do not meet while they are at work.

The alleged victim of the indecent assaults, who can not be identified for legal reasons, said today: "Liz Bolton has admitted to carrying out an arson attack. She has indecent assault charges lying on her file. What about the reputation of the council?

"My relative shouldn't have to be made uncomfortable. It is re-opening an old wound."

Peter Thorne, Unison branch secretary, said: "In the circumstances, Mrs Bolton should not have been appointed - purely because this other person is working at the council too.

"We have come to some arrangement but it is on a trial basis."

Granville Lord, Mayor of Padiham has backed Mrs Bolton, a former legal officer for Burnley Council, and said that she was settling into her new job.

Mrs Bolton met the girl when she was a district commissioner of the Girls Brigade. The trial heard how Mrs Bolton became unhealthily obsessed about the girl's relationship with a man and petrol bombed his car in 1999.

She pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life last April and was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

She admitted that she "got things wrong in the past" and said that she was been overwhelmed by the messages of support from colleagues and friends.

She said: "I got things wrong in the past and I accept that but God forgives me and I will try better this time.

"I am starting out on my new life. I am pleased to be able to do my new job. I am a Christian and all Christians get things wrong. But we have forgiveness.

"I have had cards , flowers and telephone calls of support."

Coun Granville Lord, Mayor of Padiham said: "Do we hold what she did against her all her her life? She has been punished for what she has done in the past. She really deserves to get on with her life.

"Obviously some people will bear a grudge and look down on her without knowing all the facts.

"With the knowledge that Mrs Bolton has shown of local government this is a person who is going to do good for the council."