A SPA pressure group is delighted that plans for the Lido are finally taking a step forward.

Publicity officer for Save Our Lido Today, (SALT) Peter Regan, is pleased that Wychavon District Council is moving closer to reopening the outdoor pool, off Worcester Road.

The lido has been closed to the public since 2001 because the council faced a repair bill of around £100,000. Now it seems taxpayers will have to foot that bill.

The reaction follows Wychavon District Council leader, Cllr Martin Jennings's (Con-Bengeworth) speech at an executive board meeting last Tuesday night.

Wychavon District Council has been in exclusive talks with Wychavon Leisure since Thermae Ltd pulled out of negotiations last month.

However, he admitted that the Wychavon Leisure did not have any substantial funds and proposed the council should pay for work on the Lido and Wychavon Leisure run it.

The company originally ran the pool before it's closure but now wishes to reopen it adding a number of leisure facilities.

An evaluation is being made of this and other options which are yet to be revealed. Mr Regan, for SALT, said: "We are particularly happy to hear plans are finally being pushed forward, especially after the demonstration we held two weeks ago."

Wychavon District Council also agreed that, to generate maximum income, the pool should open for at least 20 weeks of the year instead of the previous 12.

This would mean providing heating or a cover.

Mr Regan added: "The more weeks the pool is open, the better.

"We would, ideally, like to see it open again next year."

Cllr Jennings added: "An architect has been approached to provide an initial assessment of the condition of the buildings, to prepare outline designs and to provide a cost assessment of the proposed works.

"Subject to the agreement of the brief, it is hoped that this part of the feasibility work will be completed by mid November."

He later added: "I am keen for the board to consider the Wychavon Leisure proposals early in the new year, so that a decision on the funding of the scheme can be taken as part of the budget process."

The matter was discussed again at a Wychavon District Council overview and scrutiny meeting last night.