CAMPAIGNERS are working on plans to bring back brine bathing facilities to Droitwich Spa - nearly a decade since the town's baths were shut.

Save Our Brine Baths (SOBBS) has submitted a proposal to Wychavon District Council setting out its plan to build the facility at Droitwich Spa Lido.

Its proposal would see the baths built as a one-story adjunct to the existing Lido main block, in keeping with its Art Deco style.

The group, which has campaigned to re-open the baths since they were shut by BMI Healthcare in 2008, will apply for funding from a £200,000 pot made available by the council last November.

William Moy, chair of the group, said: "We are not trying to build something new, we are trying to replace a facility that was taken away from us by BMI.

"In 2008 when it was closed down by BMI everybody went up in arms. They [the baths] have been there since the 1800s in one form or another and they were part of the town's heritage.

"It has been more or less proved now to be very beneficial for arthritic conditions, rheumatic conditions, post operation and pre operations."

Part of the proposal is that the unused first floor of the main block turned into health, beauty and wellbeing treatment rooms. The rooms could be accessed by an external lift, complete with disabled access facilities.

The group is now inviting Droitwich residents to offer feedback to its plans and are urging members of the community to come along to its meetings.

Mr Moy said: "Given the response we have received to our proposal, we in SOBBS feel that we have a lot to do from here on in and would appreciate help and support from within the community.

"We would urge people to come along to our meetings and consider joining our group.

"We shall need specialist help with planning, engineering and the legal aspects of this project.

"SOBBS will have a stand at Salt Fest again this year and we would be happy to answer any questions people may have.

"Our fundraising will continue with a fashion show in October for which tickets will be available via our Facebook page."

Last November, Wychavon Leisure - which runs the Lido - was given £200,000 secured when BMI closed the town's brine baths in 2008.

A further £200,000 was set aside by Wychavon Council to support a viable plan to reopen the brine baths.

Phil Merrick, joint head of economy and communities at Wychavon District Council, said: "We recognise the importance of brine heritage to Droitwich Spa and the aspirations to attract a brine facility to the town.

"We are willing to work with parties with a commercially led proposal which is proven to be viable and deliverable.

"If required we are willing to consider a potential investment of up to £200,000."

For more information email sobbs@hotmail.co.uk or visit sobbs.org.uk