LEISURE facilities are to replace a 100-year-old Bishopstone watercress business.

Norman Barter, who has lived in the village all his life, has been given the go-ahead to turn the beds beside Bridge Road into brown trout lakes.

The business has been in his family for six generations. Barters grew watercress in Coombe Bissett, Wimborne St Giles and Cranborne as well as Bishopstone, but now the final link is being broken.

Salisbury district councillors, meeting in Wilton last week, applauded Mr Barter's plans to provide the area with new facilities.

But, they said, he must satisfy a number of conditions before any work can begin.

His plans include two lakes for fishing, car parks, landscaping and facilities for the disabled.

Mr Barter explained that health problems meant he was having to change course after 40 years of growing watercress. His decision had not been taken lightly and had involved a lot of consultation.

Chalke Valley councillor Ted Draper said he supported Mr Barter's plans but they were "a sad reflection of the rural area".

"We have lost a grain mill, our last dairy herd and now our watercress beds," he said.

Councillors agreed the plans, delegating the final decision to officers once Mr Barter had satisfied the conditions.