A NEW lido could be opened up in Droitwich as soon as next summer - but how it will look is a mystery.

Wychavon District Council last night announced that a proposal for the site will go through the planning stage later this month, with a view to work starting as soon as possible.

But the authority has not yet revealed what form the development will take - apart from saying it will be a lido fit for the 21st Century.

It has hinted though that calls for an outdoor rectangular pool with salt water as opposed to fresh have been taken into consideration.

However, in what appeared to contradict a positive statement for campaigners, those asking for a salt lido were also criticised for living in the past and not concentrating on the future.

Speaking at the executive board meeting last night Coun Paul Middlebrough said: "We are concerned that the constant focus on the Lido is based on an historical perspective while what is needed is a modern facility.

"During the last four months, the draft proposals have been refined and we now want to see if we can speed up the decision process with a view to getting the new facility open next summer.

"Consideration was given to addressing the concerns raised during the consultation period which were for a preference for a rectangular pool with salt water as opposed to fresh."

In order for the facility to be opened by next year, the council asked for consent to knock down the old indoor pool immediately.

Coun Middlebrough added: "This structure has no economic use and detracts substantially from the setting of the lido.

"This action should not be seen by the public as a precursor to wholesale demolition of the lido. That is not the case."

Councillors also last night confirmed that a free wet play area will be built in the lido park.

The proposed layout of the wet play area and the new lido will be available at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 27.