GREAT debate ensued a passionate plea for the Spa's historic Lido Pool to re-open, on Monday night.

Droitwich Spa town councillor Graham Gopsill (Lib Dem - Central) tabled a successful motion asking members to support a letter to Wychavon District Council demanding urgent action.

Cllr Gopsill wants the site re-opened or details of negotiations with Thermae Ltd published.

An amendment by Cllr Richard Morris (Con - South.East) called for the request to re-open the pool to be dropped - but the opposition outvoted Tory councillors.

Cllr Gopsill told the meeting: "This important part of our heritage must be put right if we want to be known as a tourism town, rather than a commuter town."

The 68-year-old brine attraction closed in 2001 when Wychavon faced a £100,000 repair bill. It now wants to rejuvenate the attraction with substantial private investment.

Cllr Roy Seabourne (Lab - West) said Wychavon should use cash from its £41m reserves instead and believes Wychavon Leisure Ltd should manage the project.

Labour leader, Cllr Peter Pinfield (East) accused the district council of pumping investment into Evesham and Pershore and placing Droitwich at the bottom of its priorities.

Cllr Frank Payne (Lab-West) echoed these sentiments and said funding for the salty attraction would be peanuts compared to leisure projects in neighbouring towns.

Tory councillor Mike Barratt (East) defended Wychavon and said high losses at the pool could not be sustained. He also scotched rumours that negotiations have fallen through.

Former mayor, Cllr Terry Spencer (Con - South.West), secured a Wychavon seat in May.

"The reason I opted to stand is so I could shout up for my town and I assure you the Lido is top of my priorities," he told the meeting.

Wychavon leader, Cllr Martin Jennings (Con - Bengeworth) hit back at claims of unfair funding.

"Droitwich has got all the major capital projects," he told the Advertiser.

"Waitrose will benefit the High Street, the canal development will eventually attract 300,000 tourists a year and we are endeavouring to transform the Lido, which is outdated and has a limited appeal."

He said a Lido progress report will be heard at the June 24 executive board public meeting.