NEW proposals for a 21st Century lido in Droitwich have been given the thumbs-up by Wychavon District Council's executive board.

At Tuesday's meeting, members gave their support to the concept, which will include a heated salt water outdoor pool and children's wet play areas.

Now officers must compile more detailed plans complete with costs before the matter is reviewed in December and put out to public consultation. Earlier in the week, at Droitwich Spa Town Council's meeting, the plans were hailed a victory.

Coun Graham Gopsill said: "I think its first class.

"The purists won't like it because it's not deep enough and so on, but as long as there's salt water, which is what the people want, then I don't see the problem.

"I see this as a victory for all the people of Droitwich."

Coun Roy Seabourne thanked Wychavon District Council for listening to the requests of the public and including a rectangular, salt water pool, deep enough for swimming in the plans.

"This is a victory for democracy and I support it entirely," he said.

During the meeting, members of the public raised some concerns about the proposals.

Swimming teacher and SALT (Save a Lido Today) member Lynne West questioned whether both ends of the pool should be deep, rather than one side sloping into a shallow beach area, to enable people to swim lengths.

"It would appear that we've a golden opportunity to give more swimming outlets to a greater number of people," she said.

Keith Chandler, also of SALT, requested to see drawings of the proposals, with a view to make minor alterations where the group felt necessary.

SALT's chair Linda Watkins praised Wychavon's willingness to listen.

"SALT would have liked to see a little more detail of the pool but appreciate that it is a concept and the whole project has yet to be costed," she added.

"As time is of the essence for opening next summer, we hope the public will be encouraged and respond accordingly."