CAMPAIGNERS fighting to get the dilapidated Lido Pool up-and-running will be talking tactics tonight.

The Droitwich Spa Lido Action Group kept a low profile during the run-up to the General Election as it did not want to make its crusade political.

But members are ready for battle and residents can join them at the Rifleman's Arms, in Station Street, from 7.30pm, for tough talks.

The group hopes to form a charitable trust to run the site, pay Wychavon District Council a peppercorn rent and apply for grants to help with running costs.

However, district councillor Pam Davey has revealed talks with a Germany company bidding to breathe life into the site are making "good progress".

She said representatives have visited the closed site and discussed proposals with Wychavon.

Cllr Davey added: "The German firm has been told plans must include a brine pool and public access.

"The council does not want a takeover, it wants a partnership.

"Good progress is being made but at a sickeningly slow pace."

Action group member and Droitwich Spa Liberal Democrat branch chairman Graham Gopsill told the Advertiser: "We want to see proof that a private developer is really interested and ensure a facility is available to all the town.

"During this hot spell we have been inundated with calls from people who are surprised to see the pool is shut.

"Now is the time to step up the campaign."

The district council decided not to open the Lido this year because £100,000 of repairs needed would prove uneconomic if redevelopment plans go ahead.

A Wychavon District council spokesman said: "We are still in discussions with an interested developer and hope to be able to bring a proposal to the Community Partnership Committee for consideration in early September.

"If there is an agreement in principle to the proposal, we will undertake a wide-ranging consultation with interested parties and the people of Droitwich Spa."