£1m up for grabs to revamp Lido...

That was the promise from Wychavon District Council as it met with members of Save a Lido Today (SALT) for the first time.

The campaigners have been told the money is there for them as long as its proposals can promise a decent return.

The cash has been donated by developers under Section 106 of the Town Planning Act and is thought to add up to more than £1m.

"We have known the money exists for a while, but this is the first time we have actually been told face-to-face that it will be used for the pool if our plan is good enough," said SALT publicity officer, Peter Regan.

"In fact, we came away from the meeting feeling very positive indeed. The council has agreed we can have access to its documents on the site, and we are in the process of arranging our first site visit.

"They seem to be taking us seriously now, which is what we have wanted all along.

"In fact, they were very impressed with the way we have conducted ourselves so far.

"And why shouldn't they? We have some very prominent businessmen on board helping us. I think the council realises now exactly how serious we are."

Council leader Martin Jennings refused to comment on the cash available to SALT, saying it was a matter between the council and the developers.

He did, however, agree the meeting had been a success.

"Negotiations have got off to a good start and another meeting will follow shortly," he said.

n Droitwich Lido enthusiasts can now follow the campaign to reopen the outdoor pool online, thanks to a new official website.

The site can be accessed at www.droitwichspalido.com, and has been set up by SALT, which has been given a deadline of September to come up with a viable business plan for the pool.

Internet surfers will be able to discover how the group is progressing in setting up a limited company and becoming a charity, and how members have enlisted the help of many professional businessmen and lawyers to help them with their quest.