THE woman who in a month's time takes over as one of the most influential people in Ryedale - heading the district council as chief executive - has warned against letting the region become "marginalised".

Reacting to a bid to merge all of North Yorkshire's authorities into a single unitary council, Janet Waggott said: "Ryedale wants to see its services remain local. All the district authorities are concerned about a unitary North Yorkshire because it could have an impact on district services.

"We want to work with the county council. There is scope to work together without changing governance."

Miss Waggott said: "The challenge ahead is for Ryedale to be at the right tables, putting forward its views, or the area could be marginalised."

She said other priorities on her agenda included the need to: l provide affordable housing for young people l develop skill and employment opportunities l work to retain rural services and attract new investment.

"I want Ryedale District Council to develop its expertise and trust in delivery services. It has to look at its priorities and improve the way it delivers services and to learn from best practice," she said.

Another challenge will be to bring pride to Ryedale. She said: "We need to stop knocking ourselves and to develop a culture that we are proud, honest and confident."

York-born Miss Waggott said her experience working in the London boroughs of Camden, Hammersmith and Fulham, and as director of regeneration and development in Calderdale with its motorway network, historic towns and Pennine scenery, put her in a strong position to explore new initiatives for Ryedale.

Away from work, an interest she pursued as a youngster - playing the piano - is set to be revived. Miss Waggott admitted she was a "reasonable" pianist, but that was overtaken as she built her career.

Now she hopes to return to the keyboard, and at the same time devote time to another hobby, cooking.

In the meantime she is looking forward to taking over the reins on March 1 as Ryedale District Council's chief executive. "I think I have landed one of the best jobs in England," she said.