DROITWICH Spa Lido could feasibly be re-opened as an open-air pool in the summer and an ice rink in the winter, a town engineer has claimed.

John Thistlethwaite, who is a member of the Eden Project in Cornwall, has put forward his ideas for how the historic Lido in Worcester Road (pictured right) can be saved.

"The purpose of my proposal is to present a means by which the existing open-air Lido can be enhanced and powered throughout the months and to remain open-air," he said.

They include -

l The installation of underground pipes around the periphery of the pool, which are connected to a heat exchange engine. This will provide heating for the cold water in the summer and create the ice rink in the winter

l Line existing pool with a rubberised safety liner of appropriate colour. The bottom of the pool could then be given a hologram effect for people swimming over them

l An ice rink installed during the winter months by way of perfectly sized plates fitted over the surface of the pool- the water beneath would remain untouched

l Replace the existing 1920s buildings with attractive green oak buildings to reflect the Elizabethan heritage of the town

l A slow flowing brine fountain providing continuous vapour which reflects sea air.

He reckons his ideas could be brought to life for as little as £1 million.

"I have been reliably informed that capital cost is not the problem, but revenue is.

"Therefore I make those recommendations in order that the Lido maybe reinstated in such a way as to be a very exciting, even irresistible, place to the populace. Then comes the revenue!" he added.

John said he has received confirmation from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) saying they may consider supporting the reopening of the Lido.

However it also said a formal application for a grant would have to be made by Wychavon District Council.

"Furthermore, since Wychavon has already committed some hefty funds towards rejuvenating the Droitwich canal, surely it should understand people will generally not bother to stop over in Droitwich unless there is precisely such an unusual and exciting attraction such the Lido should become."