The area is reported to be a key horticultural site, but has been bought by the Board of Administration (the landlord) for the island parliament and will eventually be closed down for growing purposes. President of the committee for horticulture, Peter Falla, said he is appalled that other States committees involved did not inform his committee of the intention to purchase. 'The last thing the industry needs is to lose prime lots of horticultural land when some areas are flourishing,' he said.

Falla maintained that the industry is doing well in certain sectors. David Miller, president of the Guernsey Growers' Association, added the loss of the nursery has come at a time when the industry's efforts to diversify are paying off. 'I think it is unfortunate that Les Nicolles is being lost to horticulture,' he declared. 'It is an exciting time for the industry. There are all sorts of changes and other sectors are coming forward. And it is important to retain diversity and opportunities for people who don't want to go into banking,' he said.

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