ONE of the New Forest's top public figures is leaving office in a move that has dismayed the people he represents.

Official Verderer Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre offered to serve a third three-year term - only to be told that Whitehall was looking for a replacement.

Mr Crosthwaite Eyre could have reapplied for the post but has decided not to put his name forward and will stand down in April.

He and his fellow verderers represent hundreds of commoners - villagers with the right to let their ponies, cows and donkeys roam the Forest.

His decision not to seek reappointment was announced at the monthly Court of Verderers in Lyndhurst.

Clive Maton, chairman of Denny Lodge Parish Council, told him: "I'm very sad to hear that you're standing down. I hope you will reconsider, but if you don't I'd like to thank you for all that you've done for the commoners."

Mr Crosthwaite Eyre was instrumental in the introduction of a scheme in which participating commoners receive £56 for each pony that grazes the Forest.

One of the Forest's best known commoners, Col Peter Sweet, said: "I'm aghast that he's standing down.

"Oliver has really delivered the goods and I don't think we will get anyone better. He was prepared to go on, even though he's a very busy man."

Mike Cooper, of the Commoners' Defence Association, told the Daily Echo: "We will be terribly sorry to see him go.

"He's one of the finest Official Verderers we've had for a long time. He's quite capable of standing up to official bodies such as the Forestry Commission and the National Park Authority and doesn't shy away from his responsibilities."

Mr Crosthwaite Eyre, of Bramshaw, said: "I've been informed by No 10 Downing Street that it's been decided to seek to appoint a new Official Verderer. I shall be standing down at the end of April."