A COUNCIL chief is hoping to draw a line under past news stories about Droitwich Spa lido and is urging residents to look positively to the future of the saltwater attraction.

Leader of Wychavon District Council, Martin Jennings, is calling for townsfolk to support the council's proposals, which include a one-metre deep fun pool with a beach area, sunbathing terraces and a caf.

It is hoped the seasonal scheme will be operational by next summer.

Cllr Jennings said: "Officers have been very creative and efficient in drawing up these plans with all due speed.

"In the past few months, countless stories have been played out in the media and we want to draw a line under these and consign them to history. It will be great for the town to look forward to a new fun family-friendly facility."

Save a Lido Today (SALT) spokesman, Ian Wild, said: "I think the key message here - which we support - is that we need to get the attraction up and running as soon as possible.

"There are still a number of vital issues that still need to be addressed, such as the size and shape of the pool, heating the pool water and, possibly most importantly, whether salt water should be used.

"Then there are the questions concerning cost and sustainability. I personally would like to see all these issues addressed through the working group instigated by the town council."

He added: "My instinct tells me that the cheapest, most effective solution would be to leave the pool as it is. I would like to see this option more fully investigated by the group."

The plans also include a large wet-play area, an inland beach with beach huts and could, one day, feature spa pools and an indoor spa treatment area.

A walk along the edge of Herriotts Pool will also be created to encourage more use of that side of the park, as well as the toilet facilities being spruced up.

kate.hughes@midlands.newsquest.co.uk