The grounds of the Shropshire mansion where failed businessman Christopher Foster killed his wife and daughter and then himself could be turned into an equestrian centre for disabled riders.

The plan for Osbaston House at Maesbrook, near Oswestry, has been suggested by Foster’s brother Andrew Foster who said it would be a lasting tribute to his 15-year-old niece Kirstie who died alongside her mother Jill in a killing spree in August.

The teenager and her 49-year-old mother were shot by Christopher Foster, 50, who then died when he set Osbaston House and its extensive outbuildings on fire.

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Police believed Foster carried out the killings because he could not face the shame of losing his luxury mansion and lifestyle after getting into severe financial difficulties.

Andrew Foster said he wanted to buy the land where Osbaston House stood and turn it into an equestrian centre for disabled riders as a permanent memorial to his niece who was a talented horsewoman.

The sales manager from Castlecroft, Wolverhampton, said: “I cannot just walk away from this.

“I owe it to Kirstie and her mother to try to do all I can to ensure some good comes out of this tragedy and this would be the ultimate tribute.

“It does not seem right to build another house on the site.

“I do not know how others might feel but I would not want to live there after what happened.”

The father-of-three added: “This may be a bit of a pipe dream but I would like to buy the land back off the bank and open a riding school for children of all disabilities.

“I have spoken to the agent acting on behalf of the bank and told them this is something I would like to do if I could raise the funds. I have also had preliminary talks with an architect.

“The agent has no immediate plans to market the land because of the current state of the economy. I need to go through things in more detail and get funding.”

His solicitors are due to meet the agent acting for the bank next week to discuss future plans for gutted Osbaston House and its 16 acres of land that is expected to fetch up to £250,000.

Mr Foster and wife, Pam, also 46, have three daughters of their own, Fran, aged 20, 15-year-old Katie and Pippa aged eight.

Katie, was born just three months after Kirstie but the girls only met her once seven years ago because of a long standing rift between Andrew Foster and his brother.

By Iain St John