Lido's future handed to residents

The council said running the lido itself was not viable

People living in Droitwich have been given responsibility for the future of the town's derelict lido.

Wychavon District Councillors agreed to allow six months for a viable business plan to be drawn up on Tuesday.

Residents' group SALT and Droitwich Town Council must now come up with a plan to restore and run the lido, in Lido Park, which was closed in 2001.

If they fail the site, which dates back to the 1930s, will be bulldozed and become a landscaped part of the park.

A spokeswoman for the district council said the decision followed unsuccessful talks with two companies about the lido.

She said if the site was knocked down the council could build a learner pool at Droitwich Leisure Centre and extend the gym.

'Former glory'

Council Leader Martin Jennings said: "We decided it was time to bite the bullet and take action to benefit the residents of Droitwich Spa.

"Restoring and running the Lido ourselves is not a viable option.

"It can only be used a few weeks a year which is why we originally sought outside funding to see if there was a market for a year-round brine spa facility.

"Our leisure centres are extremely well-used and by improving them and extending the already popular services there we are benefiting a lot of residents.

"However we know SALT is keen to restore the Lido to its former glory and we welcome a viable business plan on how to do this from them.

"Either way the people of Droitwich Spa will see change for the better in their town."