POLICE are investigating one of Bolton's most popular clubs after allegations that a large sum of money is missing.

As anger erupted at Breightmet Labour Club, hundreds of drinkers were left with empty glasses after bar staff staged a lightning walk-out.

The busy club was plunged into chaos as employees pulled down the shutters just after 9pm on Saturday night.

Furious staff members had 'called time' early in support of the club's steward, Jim Smith, who was suspended on full pay on Friday.

The suspension came as an investigation was launched into claims that a "substantial" amount of cash had disappeared.

Bolton Police have confirmed they are investigating allegations that money is missing.

The bar strike meant that the beer stopped flowing at four of the club's bars, although an upstairs bar remained open for a private function.

Now club employees are demanding Mr Smith is reinstated. The relationship between committee members and clubgoers is described by some members as "very hostile".

Barmaid Louise Butterworth, 28, said: "We think it's all very unfair and we want Jim back in his job.

"We've been told there's a substantial amount of money missing and that it's under investigation so they would not divulge anything.

"Jim is not the only person with access to money but he is the only man who has been suspended in all of this. We feel Jim has been done wrong by.

"We all came in to work on Saturday night without knowing what had happened to Jim. We decided to close the bar and a member of staff went on the stage and told people. We made sure that we apologised to the customers.

"Within five or 10 minutes loads of people were calling for an extraordinary general meeting."

Scores of people left the Milnthorpe Road club early, heading home or to other nearby pubs. A band who were due to take to the stage to entertain the crowd also did not play.

Barman George Owen added: "The protest we had on Saturday night is to show Jim we are 100 per cent behind him. We hope to have him back at work very soon."

Scores of people - staff members and customers - met committee members on Sunday afternoon to discuss Mr Smith's suspension.

An extraordinary general meeting is now planned for February 21 and there are theats that club officials will face a vote of no confidence.

Last night club secretary Derek Hamer confirmed both the police and the club's accountants were dealing with the matter.

He added: "The committee have not convened to discuss the matter. At the moment everything is in the hands of the accountants and the police.

"Mr Smith will be on full pay until the matter has been resolved by the accountants."

Mr Smith, 43, of Breightmet Drive, Breightmet, yesterday described his workmate's support as "brilliant".

He added: "I don't want to comment any further until I see how the matter develops. I will be getting in touch with a solicitor to discuss the situation."

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