A CAMPAIGN to return brine baths to Droitwich has been handed a major boost in the shape of a £5,000 grant from the county council.

Save Our Brine Baths (SOBBs), a newly registered Community Interest Company (CIC), has been awarded the cash from a fund supporting local initiatives.

An outline planning application to erect a brine bath building at Lido Park was submitted to Wychavon District Council (WDC) by the organisation earlier this year.

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.

“This is fantastic news for SOBBs,” said Cllr Moy.

“It is clear there is widespread acceptance in principle that a brine baths facility would contribute to the well-being of townspeople, while aiding the local economy through the increased numbers of visitors to the town.

“We find it so encouraging that at both town and county level, the councils are keen for us to push on with our project.

“We will be using the grant to work with architects to draw up detailed plans that prove a development in harmony with the existing lido pool and buildings can enhance and restore Droitwich’s heritage.

“Now all eyes are on the district council to see whether our outline proposal will be accepted,” he added.

The application was registered after a public consultation period ended on February 22, with the town council having unanimously passed a motion recording its thanks to SOBBs.

The town council also urged WDC to “do everything reasonably in its power to support” the scheme.

In the meantime, SOBBs has pressed on with fund-raising activities to ensure it will be able to address the more detailed, technical issues that will arise should outline planning permission be granted.

At its ever-popular quiz night held at St Andrews Town Hotel on January 19, a good turn-out led to £535 being raised for the cause.

The next meeting of SOBBs, which is open to all, will be on Tuesday, March 27 at 7.30pm at Parks Café in Droitwich town centre.