THE deputy chief executive of a council who helped to turn around its fortunes today spoke of her sadness at leaving.

Gillian Bishop was appointed in 2003 as part of a new management team at Rossendale Council after watchdogs recommended a radical overhaul of the senior management.

Bosses at the council say her work has been key in helping the authority overcome the disastrous Audit Commission report, which severely criticised the council, calling it the worst in the country.

But she is to take on the £90,000-a-year chief executive's post at Allerdale Borough Council, Cumbria, in June.

Gillian, 33, said: "Like Rossendale, Allerdale is a very diverse area and has a number of challenges and opportunities.

"The decision to leave at such an exciting time for the borough was a particularly difficult decision and I will be sad to leave.

"But I would like to think that during my two years I have worked hard to improve the quality of life for local people."

Leader of Rossendale Council Duncan Ruddick said: "In the two years that she has worked for the council her commitment has been exceptional and her achievements are there for all to see."

Labour leader Coun David Hancock said: "It is no surprise she has been poached by another authority. She has made a lasting contribution."

Gillian will continue to work with Rossendale over the next few months.