PEOPLE living in Droitwich will be consulted about the future of the town’s brine baths early in the new year.

The decision to hold the consultation was made at a meeting of the Brine Baths Task Force at which findings of recent research was presented to members.

The research included int-erviewing representatives of Droitwich hotels and restaurants as well as examining facilities in other spa towns in the UK and Europe.

One of the findings was that a new brine attraction in Droitwich would be welcomed by the owners of hotels and restaurants.

The task force was established by Wychavon District Council in September following the closure – by owners BMI Healthcare – of the brine baths in St Andrew’s Street.

Councillor Tom McDonald,chairman of the task force, said: “We are developing a comprehensive understanding of the economic, social and medical consequences resulting from the brine baths closure.

“This valuable information will now be used to help with the development of options for securing a long term brine experience in the town.

“We will be organising an initial public consultation early in the new year.”

The plan for a consultation has been welcomed by campaigngroup Save Our Brine Baths(SOBBS).

William Moy, chairman of the group, said: “It is great news for the people of Droitwich that they will get to have their say. This is something we have been calling for.

“It will be then that they can tell the council what they want and any concerns they have. By then I would have thought that some outline plans would be available for them to comment about.”

Mr Moy also said SOBBS would beasking questions about the old lease agreement to Wychavon District Council. He hoped the council would also be able to shed some light on the role the group can play in finding investors for a brine baths attraction.