DEEP rifts have opened between campaigners hoping to save Droitwich's Lido and Wychavon District Council after a 'fractious' meeting last night.

The executive board pledged to move the controversial plans on after six years of discussions, and a shallow pool, beach and family wet play area are all to be built on the site.

If the scheme passes the planning process, building will start this summer and they will be up-and-running within a year.

However, councillors also expressed fears that campaign group SALT have changed their tactics - accusations firmly denied by the group.

"We are very concerned that the organisation has been hijacked by a small group with political agendas, who have turned to intimidation," said council leader Martin Jennings.

"I believe SALT has been very responsible over the past few years so we are disappointed."

The Save A Lido Today group, which called off a planned protest outside last night's meeting, hit back at the council and disassociated itself from such rumours.

"The meeting became a bit fractious and the council engaged in a bit of SALT bashing," said spokesman Ian Wild.

"Basically the campaigners are being tarred with a lot of rumours, the key one being that people are planning to picket outside councillors' houses.

"It's been blown out of all proportion and is nothing to do with us."

"My message is simply for everyone to calm down and refocus on the core issue."

The Lido is one of just a handful of open-air salt water baths left in the country.