PROTESTS to save a coastal lido has seen local residents greet their MP in swimming costumes.

Grange Lido, which closed to the public in 1993, has been highlighted for redevelopment for a number of years, with proposals to fill the space with concrete.

Members of the Save Grange Lido group met with Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron last night (10).

Phil Bradby, co-chair of the group, said: "Surely we owe it to ourselves to fully explore all the real possibilities the lido offers, rather than going for the most basic option available by pouring in concrete in the short-sighted hope that the what the council see as a liability will go away.

"We have a real opportunity to preserve our heritage and give the lido a new purpose and evolve, move forward and add vibrancy to Grange’s tourism offer once again.

"Instead of spending the £1.8 million earmarked for ruining the lido, why not add to this money with funding from sources like Heritage Lottery and The Coastal Communities fund and do something really amazing.

"With matched funding there would be much more money available to spend restoring it properly."

The group hope to bring the lido back into a "meaningful and viable use" and open a restaurant, cafe and spa at the site.

The group are backed by more than 2,000 likes on social media and a team of 40 committee members.

Emma Pusill, group member, said: "Across the UK there are restoration success stories of lidos resurrected from the ashes and against the odds.

"What they all have in common is they have brought new life into their communities, bringing tangible economic, health, well-being and social benefits.

"Grange lido deserves to stand among the ranks. It is a beautiful and unique piece of heritage, and could be a significant attraction to draw visitors from far and wide."