New plea over bid to build on tragedy site
The family of failed Shropshire businessman Christopher Foster, who killed his wife and daughter before killing himself, say they are horrified a new house is to be built at the scene of the tragedy. The family of failed Shropshire businessman Christopher Foster, who killed his wife and daughter before killing himself, say they are horrified a new house is to be built at the scene of the tragedy. Andrew Foster and his mother Enid Foster say they can not imagine why anyone would want to live in a property built in the grounds of the blaze-ruined Osbaston House at Maesbrook, near Oswestry. They are set to appeal to the bank, which is going ahead with the new home, to consider a change of heart from the family and allow a memorial garden in the grounds. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Andrew Foster and his mother Enid Foster say they can not imagine why anyone would want to live in a property built in the grounds of the blaze-ruined Osbaston House at Maesbrook, near Oswestry.
They are set to appeal to the bank, which is going ahead with the new home, to consider a change of heart from the family and allow a memorial garden in the grounds.
Christopher Foster, 50, who was facing huge debts, killed his 15-year-old daughter, Kirstie, and his wife Jill, at the house in August 2008. He then set fire to Osbaston House, killing himself.
Receivers appointed by the bank which owns the premises, have been granted planning permission to demolish the remains of the house and build a new home on a different site in the grounds.
Andrew Foster said a year later he and his mother were still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
"Although we can never condone what my brother did, we have learned a lot about the tremendous pressure he was under," he said.
"We feel that demolishing the house is wiping away the memories of Chris and of Kirstie and Jill who were innocent victims."
Mr Foster said he and his mother initially declined the offer of a memorial garden at Osbaston but had now asked the bank for one.
"We felt we were in a catch 22 situation. We had asked if the rubble from the fire could be buried in the grounds of the house and felt the memorial garden was being offered as an alternative."
He said the rubble had been buried in part of the grounds of Osbaston where Kirstie used to ride her horses. "We cannot understand why anyone would want to live there."
No one was available for comment from the agents acting for the bank this morning.
By Sue Austin
