TWO SPA groups that have been campaigning to save the town's lido have reacted very differently to the latest proposals for the site.
One group, The Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido and Its Park, has hit back at plans outlined by Wychavon District Council.
At a Wychavon executive board meeting last week, member for community services Councillor Paul Middlebrough read a statement saying the council was concerned the constant focus on the lido was based upon an historic perspective when what was needed was a modern facility.
He added that the indoor pool also needed to be demolished immediately as the structure had no economic use and detracted substantially from the setting of the lido.
But Ian Wild, spokesman for The Friends of Droitwich Spa Lido and Its Park, said: "I think focus should certainly be on the lido's heritage because the uniqueness of that heritage will be key to the success and future sustainability of the lido when it is reopened.
"If we turn the lido into an attraction for the here and now there is a risk that it will be regarded as a fad and fail in a few years time."
Regarding the demolition of the indoor pool, Mr Wild said this was built quite cheaply but it was a hard won victory on the part of Droitwich Indoor Swimming Pool Association to have the pool built in the 1970s.
He added: "As English Heritage has pointed out it needs to be demonstrated that every avenue has been explored regarding cost of refurbishment and possible uses of the indoor pool before it can be argued that demolition is the only alternative."
However, fellow campaign group, Save A Lido Today (SALT), has welcomed the council's statement confirming that Wychavon's draft plans for the lido will include a rectangular salt water swimming pool and the facility will be open next summer.
A spokesman said although it was sad to see that the indoor pool had to be demolished the group hoped care would be taken when demolition takes place so that it does not interfere with any other part of the lido.
The group said it trusted that the meeting of the overview and scrutiny committee, which is set to take place next Tuesday, would be held in Droitwich Spa to enable the public to listen and to give their views of the plans for the wet play area.
SALT's statement added: "We are looking forward to the time when the contents of the forthcoming consultant's report are made available for public consultation.
"Following the apparent positive response to the consultation on the previous proposals, it is hoped that the opportunity will be given for all Wychavon district councillors and the public to express opinions on any serious future plans."
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