PLANS to transform Droitwich's Lido into a health spa are in doubt after the firm behind the scheme revealed it was looking at alternative sites.

The controversial proposal, which has provoked considerable opposition from the town's residents, has not yet been withdrawn.

But the Anglo-German company, Calypso, has admitted it is looking at much bigger schemes that would be welcomed in larger towns.

Wychavon District Council joined forces with the company last year with the intention of turning the Lido into a hydro-health centre with five indoor pools, saunas, spas and health and beauty treatments.

The council was planning to contribute £500,000 and a 99-year lease for the park.

Wychavon's community partnership chairman Councillor Martin Jennings said Calypso was looking elsewhere because of the success it had experienced.

He said the council met with the potential developers recently to discuss its concerns about the lack of progress.

"Although they have not actually withdrawn, Wychavon has begun to research alternative options in the interest of Wychavon residents at large," he said.

"Members ought to be allowed to know the position with Calypso and alternative options before coming to a conclusion."

Further discussions on the matter will take place at the full council meeting on Tuesday, April 23.

David Parkinson, treasurer of the pressure group Save a Lido Today (SALT), said the news confirmed his fears about the development.

The group opposes the proposal because it believes a health spa would be too expensive for ordinary people.

Public facility

It feels the Lido should be renovated and developed under a charitable trust.

"The people of Droitwich have already been deprived of the Lido for one year, and it looks like it will be closed this year as well," said Mr Parkinson.

"They should never have gone down this line. It's a public facility and they should use ratepayers' money.

"It's just an excuse for shutting down Droitwich Lido."

He said SALT had consistently pointed to the success of the Sandford Park Lido in Cheltenham, which was set up as a charitable trust by the local council and had 150,000 visitors last summer.

"If the council is only concerned with reducing rates, it must be honest and admit that public facilities will be lost," he added.