Suspension in cheap homes probe

Council staff moved into the Greyhound Opening complex

A council officer at the centre of an investigation into why staff were able to move into low-rent accommodation for the elderly has been suspended.

Norwich City Council said Kristine Reeves, head of neighbourhood and strategic housing services, had been suspended on full pay.

The move comes as a team looks into why staff, including Ms Reeves, were able to rent the low-cost sheltered housing.

Residents had been told the Greyhound Opening complex was to be demolished.

In a statement, the council said Ms Reeves had been suspended "pending the completion of an internal investigation into the use by staff of decommissioned sheltered housing properties at Greyhound Opening/Goldsmith Street prior to their demolition".

The statement continued: "In the meantime, we will be reviewing the continued use of this accommodation prior to the site being demolished."

On Saturday the council promised a "full and thorough investigation" by senior officers.

The sheltered housing development was earmarked for demolition last year.

But after the elderly residents were moved out, council staff were able to move in.