THE weekend sunshine has put the glare back on calls to re-open the town's historic Lido.

It remains closed for the third summer running while Wychavon District Council continues negotiations with Thermae Ltd to redevelop the pool.

Droitwich Spa town councillor Graham Gospill (Lib Dem - Droit.Central) is making a passionate plea for the authority to sink its plans for an ambitious leisure site and simply spruce up the present pool.

Cllr Gospill, who also serves on Wychavon, has tabled a motion for next Monday night's town council meeting, calling for urgent action.

The newly elected councillor wants the pool re-opened or a full disclosure of current proposals.

For decades Droitwich was famed for the unique brine pool. Water was diluted to bring it to the same density as the sea and people travelled from miles around, including Birmingham and Kidderminster, to take a dip.

The 68- year-old site controversially closed in 2001 when Wychavon District Council faced a £100,000 repair bill.

The authority wants to rejuvenate the attraction using private investment.

Cllr Gospill estimates it would cost £150,000 to get pool back in use - relatively small change in local council budgets - he claims.

"The site is deteriorating rapidly and we need to do something now," added the concerned councillor.

"The pool would have been a perfect spot for families at the weekend and think of all the tourists it would have pulled in."

Wychavon's community partnership manager, Tim Deakin, confirmed talks with a developer are on-going and he encouraged residents to swim at Droitwich Leisure Centre, Briar Mill, in the meantime.

Secretary for the Save Our Lido Today (SALT) group, Jon Cox, said campaigners were getting frustrated and impatient.

"We have waited and waited for news and when it comes, we will be there to study and comment on the proposals.

"Only this hot weekend we were saying it would be lovely to go to the Lido.

"Sadly, I fear a health spa centre will be proposed - which will not be suitable for families in this town," Mr Cox added.