As many of you may know Grange has been in the national press recently.

The Sunday Telegraph published an aerial photo of the disused lido in Grange. Some of you may have had the pleasure of swimming in it before it closed some 25 years ago.

Unfortunately the pool has lain derelict and in need of repair since closing because it became unaffordable, despite a number of attempts to get it back open again.

Its state of dilapidation is worsening and as a council we don't want to see the buildings put at risk.

It needs care and attention and it needs it now.

Particularly as it is a listed building.

I was at the Lido again earlier this week.

Walking around in hard hats brings home how important to get the site back open so it can be once again be enjoyed by the people of Grange.

So what should we do with the building?

We would love to restore it to its former glory and if someone comes along with several million pounds and a willingness to underwrite possible future losses, we certainly will listen.

But we're also wary that the experience of Berners proves that running a swimming pool isn't easy.

But as a council, especially following years of Government cuts, we can't afford it and we can’t wait forever.

So, after consultation with the public which showed overwhelming support to get the site back open, and together with the Town Council, we are now actively planning to see if we can make the area safe, restore the buildings, build a platform over the pool for events and activities, and provide an opportunity for restaurants and other outlets.

I'm delighted that local councillor Eric Morrell has brought together a team of local residents to form a Community Interest Community that could potentially run the site.

We want to make it into a wonderful destination for residents and visitors - while at the same time not ruling out the possibility of a white knight offering us several million pounds at some future date to re-open it as a Lido.