PLANS for a new multi-million pound health spa in Droitwich have been presented to the public for the first time.

More than 200 people packed the Community Hall in the town last night to quiz representatives from Wychavon District Council and Calypso, the company behind the proposed development.

The meeting began with a presentation by Stuart Haddrell, UK managing director of Calypso Ltd.

"This will be unique.There isn't anything like it in the West Midlands," he said.

Mr Haddrell said the proposal was still at the concept stage but a full planning application would be presented to the council early next year.

The hydro health complex would have brine pools, indoor and outdoor pool, a relaxation area, steam rooms and saunas, health and beauty treatments and a caf serving locally-grown health foods.

The complex would complement tourist features in the area such as the Droitwich Canal Project. Droitwich Brine could be marketed as a product worldwide, he said.

"Early next year we'll make the application and, if all goes well, we'd hope to build and complete the project for summer 2003," said Mr Haddrell.

He compared the proposed entry fee to that of Calypso's recently completed complex in Saarbrucken, Germany, which is £4.

Local people would be given discounts and under-5s would go in free.

But when pressed by David Parkinson, treasurer of the Save A Lido Today (SALT) group, the panel, including community partnership officer Tim Deakin and Brian Norfolk, Wychavon's head of community services, revealed Calypso had told the council the figure would be closer to £8.

Complaints, including fears the complex would be geared to fitness freaks rather than children, were raised.

Other objectors claimed the outdoor brine pool would be too small - although the district council planned to look into this.

Mr Parkinson said SALT had asked to make a presentation, but had been refused.

"I think it's disgraceful how the council has given away a lot of things in Droitwich and it shouldn't be able to again," he said.

Some residents were in favour of the new development.

"I'm not a particular fan of Wychavon District Council, but in this instance I think they've got it right," said resident Edgar Wood.