A WINDERMERE woman has admitted eight counts of fraud at Bolton Crown Court after a prosecution by Wigan Council's trading standards. 

40-year-old Linda Murray, of Ellerthwaite Road, was the director of Let Me Lettings at Hewitt House, Winstanley Road, Orrell.

She was charged with eight counts of fraud under the Fraud Act 2006. 

Her company charged landlords for a service that included managing their properties and taking tenant deposits.

These deposits were meant to be held in the government-authorised ‘Deposit Protection Service’, which keeps the money safe for tenants.

Ms Murray pleaded guilty to not placing the money into that service and misleading both landlords and tenants.

Trading standards received complaints from seven landlords, about nine different properties, with over £6,000 lost due to the fraud.

Councillor Dane Anderton, lead member for civil contingencies at Wigan Council, said: “This Deposit Protection Service exists to protect tenants in rented properties, and landlords and residents that use letting agents for this service deserve to know that their deposits are being protected.

“Our trading standards team is always proactive in tackling illegal activity in our borough. Anyone wishing to report illegal activity to Trading Standards can ring in confidence 0808 223 1133 or Regulation@wigan.gov.uk.”

She will be sentenced on January 8 at Bolton Crown Court.