THE Cotswolds Conservation Board, which looks after the area of outstanding natural beauty, has elected Liz Eyre as its new chairman.

She succeeds the Rev Jeff West, from Charlbury, who had held the post since 2010.

Mrs Eyre’s appointment was announced as the conservation board celebrated its 10th anniversary.

It was set up by Parliament in December 2004 to conserve and enhance the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which includes much of West Oxfordshire north of Burford, Witney and Woodstock, and to increase understanding and enjoyment of the region’s special qualities.

Mrs Eyre has been a member of the board since 2004 and its vice-chairman for the past five years.

After studying biological science at York University she worked in the pharmaceutical industry, with a particular focus on the farming industry and animal husbandry, before moving into senior management positions with major US and UK companies.

Following a decision to take early retirement, she became a member of Worcestershire County Council, representing the Cotswold village of Broadway, and is the cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, education and early intervention and social care.

Mrs Eyre said: “This is an exciting time to have the honour of being chairman of the Cotswolds Conservation Board.

“The board – its officers, voluntary wardens and members – are a strong team ready to tackle the tricky challenge of balancing growth plans with conservation and management.

"There is more we will do to communicate the economic value and worth of the AONB and the board’s work in addition to initiating more projects at the heart of conserving and enjoying this wonderful area.”

Her successor as vice-chairman is Nick Holliday, who has served on the board since 2008.

He has a background in countryside management, having worked for the Countryside Commission, the Countryside Agency and the Commission for Rural Communities, and is the convenor of the new Cotswolds Tourism Partnership’s interim board.