TWO strong-minded girls are staging a protest to save Droitwich Spa's historic Lido pool from developers.

Lauren Hampton and Carla Hallett, both aged 11, are hoping for a huge turnout at their meeting this Sunday in the Lido car park, off Worcester Road.

The Witton Middle School pupils will be waving banners, placards and giving a speech at 2.30pm.

Wychavon District Council closed the 66-year-old pool this year. The authority has teamed up with newly-formed firm Calypso and proposes to build a £6m spa centre.

Wychavon recently held a public meeting to share the ideas and the young campaigners were among hundreds who turned out.

Afterwards they decided to take action and have been busy promoting their event by making leaflets and posters.

Lauren, of Ripple Road, told the Advertiser: "If the hydro-health centre is built, children won't be able to go on their own.

"It will be too expensive for many families to make regular visits and we will lose an important part of the town's history.

"The council should keep the pool, tidy up the inside, heat the water and build a removable cover over the pool."

She added: "I'm hoping lots of adults and children will take the time to come and support us because once the Lido pool is gone, we can never get it back."

Mum Sheila Hampton is proud of her daughter and Carla, of Albert Street.

She said: "The children are doing this on their own - no-one has told them to do it.

"I was flabbergasted when Lauren told me about the protest."

Cllr Pam Davey (Con, Droit.Central) said: "It's always nice to see young people taking a positive interest but I would be delighted to talk to them and explain why this project is being undertaken."

Droitwich: Save Our Lido Today (SALT) spokesman David Parkinson said: "I'm very impressed with their enthusiasm and I hope other schoolchildren will give their support."

Witton headteacher David Coll said: "Lauren and Carla are passionate about the future of the Lido.

"It's important young people get involved with issues that affect them."

The new centre is expected to boast indoor and outdoor pools with varying brine content, saunas, a sunbathing terrace and a restaurant. Basic entry will be about £4.