TWO new bids to develop the town's Lido, which are similar to the plans withdrawn by developers Calypso, will be discussed by councillors tonight (Wednesday).

The two proposals for the Worcester Road-site will come under the spotlight at a meeting of the district council's executive board. The meeting will be held at the Raven Hotel, in Droitwich Spa.

The first proposal, which is the council's preferred bid, has been submitted by International Property Projects Ltd on behalf of Thermae Development Company Ltd.

The Netherlands-based company's proposal is very similar to that of Calypso's, the firm which pulled out of talks with Wychavon District Council claiming that they needed a bigger site.

The bid includes indoor and outdoor brine pools, changing facilities and a health and well-being centre with a gym, sauna, steam and treatment rooms and a caf/restaurant.

The second proposal is by Wychavon Community Association Ltd, which has based its bid on a phased redevelopment of the existing facilities.

The intention would be to heat the Lido pool and then cover it with a retractable roof in the winter to extend the period which is can be used.

There would also be health and fitness facilities on the site, including equipment for the under 16s, as well as weight and nutritional advice, beauty treatments, sauna, steam, solarium and spa pools.

Council officers are recommending that board members agree to begin talks with IPP about the details and layout of the proposals.

But this week Brian Norfolk, head of community services at the authority, said: "Both plans are in the very early stages and although we have recommended that the council first speaks to IPP, it's not saying that will be the bid the council will eventually give the go-ahead to, it is just the preferred bid at this time."

Action group Save Our Lido Today (SALT) are yet to look at the plans as a group but spokesman Peter Regan said at first glance, it's not what they had hoped for.

"We haven't seen the full proposals yet so my views may change but at first glance, IPP's proposals seem very similar to those of Calypso, which we were against.

"We want an affordable salt water pool for the people of Droitwich Spa, IPP's bid may be better suited to a site such as the Worcestershire Hotel."

Other items on the agenda for the public meeting, which is due to begin at 6.15pm, include Waitrose and the Worcestershire Hotel.