POOLE looks set to lose a tourist attraction described as a “little gem” by visitors.

Dedicated to the world of children’s author Enid Blyton, Eileen Soper’s Illustrated Worlds, has been housed in the former Swan Inn in Old Orchard for the past three years.

But now Borough of Poole planners have granted a change of use for the green-tiled building next to Poole Pottery , from a tourist attraction to a restaurant.

And Viv Endecott, who runs it along with the Ginger Pop Shop at Corfe Castle , said: “We are going. We are not wanted.”

She said it was very disappointing that not enough paying customers were being attracted through the door.

“There is a recession on. Shops are closing left, right and centre. It’s tough.”

Illustrator Eileen Soper collaborated with the famous author on 150 books over 20 years and is best known for the Famous Five series, some stories of which were set around Purbeck and Poole Harbour .

Viv took over the derelict former pub, which has also been an art gallery, but her original plan for an Enid Blyton themed museum was scuppered after being unable to reach agreement with the holders of the intellectual property rights to the author’s work.

Bruce Grant-Braham, chairman of Poole Tourism Partnership, said he was “desperately sorry” if the attraction was to be lost. “She valiantly tried in a time of recession to get this business off the ground and hasn’t had an easy ride, planning-wise,” he said.

“I hope the existing business in Corfe Castle doesn’t suffer as a result. She has been blessed with enormous enthusiasm and drive. It’s a pity the economic climate couldn’t support her, if that’s the reason she’s giving up.”

He said they had backed her from the start and the loss of any Poole attraction was unwelcome, but if it became a restaurant it would continue as a tourism based business.

Julian Adams, commercial property consultant and agent for landlord Hunter Simmonds Properties said they had someone in mind and were in talks.

However under the planning permission they have three years to implement a change of use.