A row over the bleak future of Droitwich Spa's historic Lido erupted as civic leaders were urged to support SALT's snubbed plans.

Spa mayor Councillor Anne Taft (Con-South East) suggested the town council send a letter to the district council asking them to reconsider their plans to demolish the Lido, at a meeting last Monday.

Cllr Taft said she would like the district council to continue its talks with campaign group Save a Lido Today (SALT).

On February 1, Wychavon's executive board recommended that the Lido be demolished and talks with SALT to reopen it, as a swimming pool and ice rink, should cease.

However, some of the mayor's fellow Conservatives, who were in favour of the district council's scheme, said they did not wish to put their name to this letter.

Tory councillors Mike Barratt and Eileen Hope both said they could not support something they believe would cost the Droitwich ratepayer.

While Labour's Roy Seabourne and Frank Payne, and Liberal Democrat Graham Gopsill all said it would be a huge loss to the town's heritage.

In favour of the letter were Labour councillors John Cook, Sheila and Roy Seabourne and Peter Pinfield, Liberal Democrats Jan Clarke and Graham Gopsill, and Conservatives Richard Morris and Anne Taft.

Against the letter were Tory councillors Eileen Hope and Mike Barratt.

As a member of Wychavon's executive board Cllr Terry Spencer chose to abstain from voting. Absentees were Councillors Kate Spencer, Claude Healy, and Don and Maureen Lawley.

emily.bridgewater@midlands.

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