The chief executive of North Shropshire District Council is to step down, it was revealed today.

Nicola Yates said she will be taking over as deputy chief executive of Hull City Council once an interim replacement has been found to oversee the running of the district.

Her future had been in doubt with the district council (NSDC) due to be abolished for the creation of a new unitary authority for the whole of Shropshire.

Miss Yates said: “It has been a tremendous honour to be chief executive of NSDC for the past three years.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff and councillors and with the people and organisations across the district. I know the experience we have gained in north Shropshire will prove invaluable to the future success of the Shropshire Council.

“I am proud of what we have achieved over the past few years. I shall very much miss the people of north Shropshire and I wish them well for the future.”

Miss Yates joined the council in May 2005, having previously been a director at Harborough District Council in Leicestershire, with responsibility for frontline services.

NSDC leader Councillor David Minnery said: “This is good news for the people of Hull and sad news for the people of north Shropshire. Miss Yates has helped the council achieve its vision of working together to deliver services to improve the quality of life for our community.

“I know staff and councillors wish her every success in her future career.”

Hull City Council is a unitary authority serving more than 250,000 people. As deputy chief executive, Miss Yates will be responsible for ensuring its services are delivered to the highest possible standards.