A CAMPAIGN to bring a derelict art deco South Lakeland lido back into use has won support from similar projects across the country.

Grange Lido closed its doors in 1993 and although owners South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) are planning on investing nearly £2m to save the grade II listed structure, its plans do not include restoring swimming to the site.

But the Save Grange Lido group is desperate to bring the lido back to its former glory and is putting together a business plan to present to the council.

Similar groups around the country have formed to save and protect their pools.

In Cornwall’s Penzance, Jubilee Pool closed in 2014 due to severe structural damage during storms.

However, thanks to the community, council and partners, £3m worth of funding was secured for restoration work.

It re-opened in 2016 and in 2017 was transferred to The Friends of Jubilee Pool – a group that formed in 1992 to ensure the pool’s survival.

Martin Dixon, of the Friends of Jubilee Pool, said that the economic boost it had given Penzance was ‘worthy’ of the investment made.

“Add to that it’s proven attraction as a safe place to relax and swim for young and old – quite literally we have customers from eight months to 80-years-old – and the fact it employs a team of 25 people during the season and is a listed building of national and international significance, all bear testament to the reasons we felt it was so vital to restore it,” he said.

“I believe that if Grange Lido were to be saved, operated as a social enterprise and owned by the community, it could have all the positive effects that have been so evident at Penzance.

“These buildings are pleasure palaces, there is not one single lido in the land that makes a vast profit, but they can break even.

“What better investment could you make than in the health, happiness and well-being of your local community?”

In Ipswich, the Save Broomhill Pool group has secured more than £7m of funding and hopes its pool will be open in 2020.

Mark Ling, chair of the group, told The Westmorland Gazette: “There’s a lot of similarities between Grange and Ipswich.

“It really is a beautiful lido and well worth fighting to save.”

He said that the key thing had been persuading the local taxpayers that any investment in the crumbling structure would make economic sense.

Further north, there is the Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Pool in Aberdeenshire.

The group was formed in 1994 after the pool was threatened with closure and now they publicise, promote and provide enhancements to the pool.

Pete Hill, chair of the group, said that the pool acted as a ‘magnet’ for visitors.

“Many of the visitors are tourists from the rest of the UK and (increasingly) abroad, who help boost the local economy with their spending in shops, pubs, cafes and other local businesses,” he said.

And he added: “Good luck to all concerned ‘down south’ with the campaign and we hope to see another lido brought back from the brink.”