I STRONGLY agree with AH Laird's points in his letter about the Droitwich Lido and I believe they should be brought to the attention of the local council.

The lido has lain idle and become an eyesore over the past three years since it closed. It should have been the jewel in the crown to our town which prides itself in being one of the foremost spas in the country.

What a wasted opportunity in the glorious summer days to the visiting tourists and local people who would have had great pleasure in enjoying the facility. I agree that it was becoming too expensive to run economically but surely it should have been kept going while alternative plans were formulated. It is never too late, we must learn from our mistakes and take action now.

The SALT campaign showed considerable local support to retain the lido and is a great credit to local initiative. Unfortunately their report does not give a sustainable economic appraisal of its proposals. In these circumstances surely it is pointless to delay the setting out of realistic proposals by opening the development as AH Laird suggests:

"to investment with private/district council partnership where people with vision and management flair risk their own money to make and run a 21st century facility that attracts the public."

It could be then a unique regional tourist facility set in an attractive parkland setting which would be a great asset to the town, its people, the business and the economy of the area. Being in the designated conservation area the council would be obliged to ensure the design of the project would have to preserve and enhance the appearance and character of the area.

In my opinion some of the essential features of the project should be:

1 An all year round facility providing significant protection from the elements for a good proportion of the site.

2 The establishment of new salt water features to retain the Spa image, the reduction in the depth of any splash or bathing facility to reduce the on-going running costs of heating.

3 The setting up of a really attractive restaurant in the best part of the existing buildings overlooking the most attractive features on the site.

4 The establishment of a few small shops which would complement the spa theme of the project- even a small salt museum might be appropriate.

I request the council not to delay any further and put forward a new scheme.

Don Walters

Member of Droitwich Spa Civic Society