CAMPAIGNERS mounting a peaceful protest say those planning to demolish a town pool have "yet see the wrath of Millom".

The Save Millom Pool group and supporters, including Millom mayor, Councillor Jane Micklethwaite and Millom Town Councillors are "disgusted " at Cumbria County Council's decision to knock down the pool.

The pool, based on the site of Millom School, is in disrepair and closed last year due to "serious structural and safety issues".

It was to be demolished in July, but the county council temporarily suspend this as the public fought to keep the pool and the community costed a scheme to get the pool in safe order, so it could potentially be used in the short term. The long term ambition is to have a brand new pool for the town.

The county council wrote to the group saying: "the cost of bringing the pool up to a safe and acceptable standard, in line with the statutory obligations that have to be met for any facility made available for public use, is prohibitive".

It intends to seek permission in October to proceed with the demolition. The authority said it :"appreciate that the group will be disappointed with this outcome" so it is "willing to make land available on the Millom School site for a new community pool to be built and hope that progress can be made."

Councillor Micklethwaite said: "CCC have yet to see the wrath of Millom slighted." She said: "As mayor of this town I wish to express my disgust at CCC's decision to proceed with the demolition of Millom Pool.

"The survey from a chartered engineer was produced at CCC's behest. At all time the group has worked hard to negotiate with councillors and officers.

“At every stage they have been faced with delays and philibustering techniques. The attempt to call a meeting has been met with nothing short of treachery in CCC's decision to proceed with demolition without allowing for the talks to proceed."

Mrs Micklethwaite said granting land for a new pool is "not sufficient without credible financial backing".

The protest takes place on the school field at 10am on Saturday.

The Save Millom Pool group said: "We will be holding a peaceful protest to highlight issues such as the pool and its place in a long line of services and assets that have been stripped from Millom."