THE chief executive of Cheltenham's council housing company has been suspended from his position, it emerged last night.

Paul Davies was placed on gardening leave on Monday due to a row over an internal restructuring of Cheltenham Borough Homes.

The step was taken after concerns were raised that council bosses had not been kept informed over the changes.

The matter was discussed in secret at Cheltenham Borough Council's cabinet meeting on Tuesday night.

Mr Davies has been in charge of the company, which is wholly owned by the taxpayer and has more than 4,600 properties since it was set up in 2003.

His role puts him in charge of dozens of employees, who are charged with managing and maintaining leasehold and freehold properties in the town.

Under his stewardship, Cheltenham Borough Homes has gained a three star rating from the Audit Commission, making it a beacon of good practice.

He had previously been a chief officer at Cheltenham Borough Council for four years, and has also worked for Bristol City Council.

Cheltenham Borough Homes is an arms-length management company that controls the housing budget and is answerable to the borough council.

The length of time Mr Davies will be away from work is thought to be indefinite.

Cheltenham Borough Homes refused to comment on the matter.

Mr Davies was unavailable.