BATHING in brine may not be a thing of the past for much longer in Droitwich as a campaign rumbles on to bring back one of the town’s most famous features.

An outline planning application to erect a brine bath building at Lido Park has been submitted to Wychavon District Council by newly registered Community Interest Company (CIC), Save Our Brine Baths (SOBBs).

SOBBs was formed by town councillor Bill Moy as a campaign group after Droitwich Spa Brine Baths was closed by B.M.I. healthcare in 2008 – and he is now one of five directors of the new company.

Speaking at a town council meeting on Monday (January 29), Cllr Moy said approximately £2,000 has been raised by the group, covering reports stipulated by WDC planners.

He said that being a registered CIC “will put the group in a better position going forward, including preparation to receive grant aid funding” – for if and when the plan is approved.

“It is considered that the steps taken put SOBBs in a strong position for the future and supports delivering their objectives,” added Cllr Moy.

Cllr Bob Brookes, who represents Droitwich East on the county council, said: “New brine baths in the Lido Park and linked with the Lido, would also make economic sense in promoting tourism and creating local jobs.

“It would create something unique in the whole of Europe.”

Numerous events have been put on to raise money for the project, including a recent pub quiz at St Andrew’s Hotel, which brought in £535.

Cllr Brookes said: “It was impressive just how well-attended the event was, and as we have seen at other events, like the Picnic in the Park, there is a huge groundswell of support amongst local people to see the return of our brine baths.”

He went on to congratulate the efforts of SOBBs and said the scheme will “literally put the ‘Spa’ back into Droitwich”.

His calls for the town council to record its thanks to the group, as well as to urge WDC to “do everything reasonably in its power to support” the scheme, were met with unanimous approval.

District councillor Liz Eyre has already moved to endorse the cause.

Many members of SOBBs had been involved in Save a Lido Today or SALT – a group which some years ago successfully campaigned to prevent WDC from closing the Lido.

Cllr Brookes said: “SALT forced a parish poll so that the wishes of local people could be clearly heard and reject the bureaucratic decisions forced upon us from outside the town.”

Droitwich salt was once again launched commercially last year, as was Wychbold Salted Fudge, while the brine pump has been reactivated.

Cllr Brookes said: “It was said to be impossible, but after 100 years we now have Droitwich Salt back in production.

“I firmly believe that if we try hard enough we can also have a new brine baths,” he added.