THE Lido pool saga took another turn this week when alternative plans to redevelop the facility hit a wall of opposition.

Calypso, the company which wants to redevelop the town pool and which last month looked set to pull out of the scheme, has now put forward two alternative options.

But the new plans have not been given a warm response.

Conservative councillors who represent the Spa at Wychavon are calling for the plans to be rejected and are urging the authority to seek alternative means of opening a Lido facility.

The plans have also been opposed by SALT - Save Our Lido Today.

The new options include a substantially larger project, which would go outside the original Lido footprint, or a smaller facility than the one already under consideration but one that would require the district council to subsidise a substantial part of the cost.

Councillor Pam Davey (Con - Droit Central) said: "The Droitwich Conservative district councillors do not believe that Spa people wish to see an extensive encroachment into the park beyond the present 'footprint'.

"Neither are we able to support the alternative option of public funding now put forward by Calypso.

"We therefore call upon Wychavon to act with all speed to find an alternative way of re-opening the Lido as quickly as possible.

"They must urgently take a fresh look at the situation with nothing ruled out and nothing ruled in," she added.

The alternative plans were revealed at a heated meeting on Tuesday, April 23, where, for the first time in the authority's history, the meeting had to be suspended for a short break when councillors became angry after hearing the proposed plans.

SALT also opposes the plans. A group spokesman said: "The backing of the councillors is finally a small step in the right direction as we also believe both of the options should be rejected.

"However, it is now time for the councillors to start looking at alternatives to Calypso's bid and to begin considering a charitable trust."

Leader of the Labour group at Wychavon, Councillor Roy Seabourne (Lab - Droit West) said: "I agree with Pam Davey and SALT that the two alternative options are not acceptable.

"We need to open up the process and in particular get the original pool open as soon as possible. No more money should be given to Calypso," added the councillor.

Wychavon District Council is currently looking at Calypso's alternative options and if it decides they are not viable, it will invite other organisations and companies to submit proposals.