IN view of some of the reported comments of councillors in recent Droitwich Town Council meetings - at which our proposals for the Lido have been discussed, I feel I should bring to the attention of your readers the views of SALT to redress the balance.

First, it has been reported that Cllr Pinfield said he believed residents did want to see the Lido demolished. This report omitted the important word 'not'!

Secondly, Cllr Barratt said the taxpayer is being asked to pay £1m to re-open the Lido. SALT is actively trying to find sources of funding for the capital costs but we do accept that it would not be reasonable for the Droitwich Council Tax payer to fund it completely - the quoted rise in Council Tax of £116.13 is, therefore, a 'red herring'.

Cllr Terry Spencer said SALT had failed to meet a deadline of 'two weeks ago' to respond to questions raised by Wychavon District Council. This is the first we have heard of this deadline - although our reply has now been sent to Wychavon.

Cllr Lawley criticised SALT's report for apparently ignoring staffing matters. We would point out that three full pages of the proposals were devoted to this subject. He went on to ask how much the Lido would be costing in ten years time. If Cllr Lawley can tell us how much the Council Tax will be in 2015 we shall answer that one!

SALT acknowledges it is unlikely a re-opened Lido will make a profit - no swimming pool does. We believe our proposals might achieve a break-even position but it is likely some public funding will be required.

Unlike Cllr Kate Spencer we feel there are some things more important than money.

We are asking Wychavon to accept the Lido is a unique part of the heritage and culture of this area and that it is worth spending money to retain a unique amenity. Nearly 80 per cent of Droitwich people support us - as do those Labour, Liberal Democrat and Independent councillors on Droitwich Town Council who voted to support the proposals, which they feel are in the best interests of the town's future.

SALT would like to record its appreciation to those councillors and, in particular, to the mayor, Cllr Mrs Anne Taft, and Cllr Richard Morris, who are prepared to 'stand up and be counted' and put Droitwich Spa above the interests of their party.

John Cox

Secretary, SALT

Droitwich Spa