New Forest Post
Waiting is over for Oliver as his official role is restored
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| BACK on the scene: Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre, the Official Verderer who was kept waiting. |
ONE of the New Forest's top public figures has been reappointed after months of speculation about his future in the post.
The Official Verderer, the former barrister Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre, was only given the news of his reappointment on the day that his second term of office expired.
Government delays in either reappointing him or choosing a successor had threatened to leave the Verderers without a leader.
The saga began last year, when Mr Crosthwaite Eyre indicated he was willing to serve a third three-year term.
His offer was rejected by the Government amid rumours of a behind-the-scenes row with the Forestry Commission.
Ministers said they wanted to appoint a new Official Verderer but invited him to seek another term after being accused of "skulduggery" by New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne.
New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, who raised the issue in the House of Commons last month, said: "I'm delighted that common sense has prevailed.
"However, I'm very disappointed that it's taken so long to reappoint the person who has been described as the best Official Verderer the New Forest has ever had.
"It's very regrettable that so many people have been upset by the way it has been handled."
It is the Verderers' job to oversee the commoners - hundreds of villagers with the right to let their ponies and cattle graze the heaths and ancient woodland. They also help protect the area against unwanted development and are regarded as the guardians of the Forest. One of the longest-serving Common-ers, Col Peter Sweet, said: "Everyone is delighted that Oliver has been reappointed - and astonished that it's taken so long."
Mr Crosthwaite Eyre said: "At least everyone now knows what's happening. I'm delighted to have been given the opportunity to serve the Forest for another three years and will continue to give my best."
3:58pm Thursday 8th May 2008
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