THE chief executive of a housing company has quit his job after he was cleared of bullying.

Ian Broughton, chief executive of Cestria Community Housing, based in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, had been the subject of an investigation commissioned by the organisation’s board.

A statement from Cestria said: “The board has considered a report it received following the investigation and decided that there was no action it wished to take in relation to the chief executive.

“However, Ian believes he has taken the organisation as far as he can and feels the time is now right to hand over the reins.

“Ian was responsible for managing the process of the transfer of Chester-le-Street District Council’s housing stock to Cestria, and since then has been a dedicated chief executive, committed to ensuring that Cestria provided the best possible service to its tenants.

“The board would like to wish Ian all the best for his future and thank him for his loyal and dedicated service, in particular, the work he did to set up Cestria and establish it as a successful housing association.”

Paul Tinnion, chairman of the board at Cestria, would not comment on whether Mr Broughton received a pay-off and also would not elaborate on the reasons he had given for leaving.

Referring to the investigation, he said: “We carried out the proper procedure in the circumstances with the approval of [social housing regulator] the Tenants Services Authority.”

At least 15 members of staff at Cestria had complained that Mr Broughton – a former director of community services at Chester-le-Street District Council – had either bullied, harassed or victimised them.

It is understood that some of those who complained have now left the company, or have been dismissed.

Cestria is responsible for the management or maintenance of 4,300 homes in the area.