A LONG-RUNNING saga to secure the future of Grange's historic swimming pool is to continue with the launch of a new study.

The latest investigation into a range of potential uses for the outdoor lido, a Grade II listed outdoor swimming pool in the Edwardian town, was announced yesterday by council bosses.

It represents the latest chapter in the life of the 1930s structure, located on the town's promenade, which has been the subject of a succession of reports, studies and public consultations over the past eight years.

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But council bosses are now pledging the latest report will produce a list of financially sustainable options for the run down site in a final bid to see it restored.

Councillor Peter Thornton, South Lakeland District Council's finance boss, said: "What we need to do now is to work out how we can restore this site, in a way that is sympathetic to its listed status but also provides a sustainable community asset.

It is important that whatever we do is affordable and doesn’t become a drain on the taxpayers of the district."

Cllr Thornton added: "We are willing to listen to all ideas and suggestions from developers and others about how the site can be best used, and we are committed to working collaboratively with local community groups and the town council in determining the right way forward."

Previous plans considered for the salt water lido, which closed in 1993, has included bringing the pool back to its former glory, creating a splash park and filling it in to create a public performance space.

The changing rooms and former maintenance buildings around the outside were mooted for a cafe or artist's workshops.

The newest attempt to identify a way forward for the structure will be carried out by Lambert Smith Hampton, supported by Amion Consulting and IBI Groupe.

It will be funded using a £50,000 grant from the Coastal Revival Fund - a government regeneration pot.

A public consultation will be carried out in the town before Christmas with an exhibition for residents and local businesses set for the new year.

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