TELEVISION presenter Laurie Mayer has condemned the BBC's "wholly unsatisfactory" response to a report on alleged bullying at the Tunbridge Wells studios.

Mr Mayer, whose contract to anchor BBC South East Today was not renewed in July, claimed he was sacked for blowing the whistle on an alleged "climate of fear" in the newsroom.

Official complaints by Mr Mayer and trade union colleagues triggered an official inquiry by Richard Ayre, a former BBC editorial chief.

They singled out senior editors and live-in partners Rod Beards and Davina Reynolds for particular criticism.

Mr Ayre took evidence from 33 people, held face-to-face interviews with 19 and recently completed his report. BBC chiefs have refused to release copies to staff, trade union representatives or media.

But the Kent Messenger has seen a letter from Andy Griffee, the BBC's controller of English regions, to all Tunbridge Wells staff about some of the findings.

Mr Griffee discloses that Mr Ayre found "evidence of inappropriate management behaviour which could have led to people feeling intimidated".

He also found that "those events of the past year have left individuals drained, frustrated and de-motivated".

He says the report is critical of the BBC's decision to appoint two managers who were partners to positions in which, despite administrative precautions, one was responsible to the other.

"Richard says there is no proof that either of these managers behaved differently on account of their partner's involvement, and he emphasises there is no question of disciplinary action being appropriate against either of them."

Mr Griffee said that Ms Reynolds had asked for a move and the BBC was seeking to "resettle her into a similar level and mutually acceptable alternative post at the earliest practical opportunity". He said: "I should stress that in no way is this a disciplinary matter."

Mr Griffee said South East controller Laura Ellis would review "current management structures and define clearly who manages whom".

Mr Mayer, an experienced broadcaster and former press aide to Harrods’ chief Mohamed Fayed, welcomed the findings, saying they vindicated his actions.

But he said: "I think the BBC handling of these serious management shortcomings has been flawed from start to finish and its response to Ayre is wholly unsatisfactory."

"Two of the three managers involved at Tunbridge Wells are still in place and the third has apparently 'asked for a move'."

"Things went badly wrong but it seems no one is to blame and no one is being disciplined."

He condemned Mr Griffee's decision to ask Laura Ellis, regional controller, to see though a plan of action to put things right.

"Those responsible for the mistakes keep their jobs but I am out of work," he said. "The disgraceful circumstances surrounding my own departure don't even get a mention. I am currently in talks with the NUJ and taking legal advice on the best course of action."

The BBC, which has denied sacking Mr Mayer, said in a statement: "We're pleased that this issue is being resolved. We have acted swiftly and responsibly to investigate various allegations and are grateful to Richard Ayre for the thoroughness of his inquiry.

"We have shared the findings of Richard's investigation with both the NUJ and all staff at Tunbridge Wells and have put in place a five-point action plan to ensure that working in the BBC's South East region is a rewarding and enjoyable experience."