THE new chief executive of Eden District Council says she is 'thrilled' to have been offered the role.

Rose Rouse, currently a corporate director with Worcester City Council, was chosen for the job following a rigorous selection process.

"I am looking forward to working with councillors, employees and partners to take forward the council’s priorities for the district," she said.

“The council has set out an ambitious programme of work and I am confident with Eden’s track record of delivering high quality services and challenging projects, we will realise the vision for Eden. Eden is in a unique position with the potential to become the economic heart of Cumbria and with its strong and vibrant rural communities and beautiful environment it offers a fantastic quality of life.

“On a personal level, I am happy to be returning to the area, having spent time living and working in the district earlier in my career.”

She has been a corporate director in Worcester for the past two years, leading a transformation programme to deliver customer improvements, developing the council’s commercial offer and finding new ways of working.

During the past ten years she has held senior positions in local government with councils in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Eden District Council leader, Councillor Kevin Beaty, said: “I am delighted with the quality of candidate the recruitment process attracted, it shows that the Eden area and wider Cumbria is very attractive as a place to live and work. The Council has a very ambitious of programme of work to deliver over the next few years and I look forward to working with Rose to being this to fruition.”

Dr Robin Hooper tendered his resignation from the role in January 2018 after seven years’ service.

Dates are currently being agreed for when Rose Rouse’s employment will commence as Chief Executive.