A decision on the future of a suspended council chief is expected soon following an inquiry into claims she bullied employees.

Eastbourne Council chief executive Sari Conway was suspended on full pay last February after senior staff accused her of bullying and harassing workers.

The suspension was extended in April and referred to Government inspector Rodney Brooke, who is preparing a report to the council.

A council spokesman said: "The inquiry into matters that led to the suspension of Mrs Sari Conway is now complete.

"Mr Brooke is preparing a report and it is anticipated this may take a few weeks. The full council will then consider the report and the action it recommends.

"Mrs Conway will be given the opportunity to attend the council meeting and make representations."

The inquiry follows an investigation by the authority after complaints were made by then council leader Bert Leggett.

Current council leader Graham Marsden said: "I am pleased the inquiry by Mr Brooke has now concluded. Once the council has been able to consider the report and made any subsequent decisions, I intend to issue a full statement on the matter.

"It will include commenting on the costs incurred by the council as a result of the requirement to follow Government legislation relating to the employment of chief executives."

Sari Conway became the council's first woman chief executive in 1995, earning about £72,000 per year.

She went on to adopt a high-profile approach to the job and appeared with her husband on TV show Changing Rooms, helping to renovate the Belle Tout lighthouse near Beachy Head.

Six years ago Mrs Conway received a £250,000 payout from Bradford City Council after claiming she herself had been harassed by her bosses.

Throughout her suspension, Mrs Conway has refused to comment on the allegations.