A DECISION not to open the town's Lido pool this summer has sparked an outcry from residents.

A petition organised by Liberal Democrats to save the site already boasts nearly 1,000 signatures.

Last week, Wychavon District Council revealed it will not open the Lido this year because £100,000 in repairs would prove uneconomic if redevelopment plans get the green light in 2002.

The council has been holding discussions with a developer and campaigners fear the public will have limited access to the pool if it is run privately.

Lib Dem supporter Graham Gopsill, a former Spa mayor, helped launch the petition in the town centre on Saturday and said campaigners will be there again this weekend to collect more signatures.

Copies of the petition, which call on the council to keep the pool open, can be signed in the town's library and shops.

Mr Gopsill said: "This petition will be handed over at Wychavon's next full council meeting.

"The Lido is an asset to Droitwich and everything must be done to preserve it.

"I fear if a private developer steps in, prices may be too steep for all members of the public and I think the pool will be reduced in size."

Wychavon's community partnership committee chairman, Cllr John Smith (Con, Evesham Hampton), said: "All along we have stated that the redevelopment of the Lido will be conditional on it remaining open to the public.

"There seems alarmist misinformation being spread."