AFTER thirty years, Grange Lido is once again full - but of stone not water. 

The council poured 2,000 tonnes of stone into the final surviving seaside lido in the north-west in October this year. The Grade II listed Art-Deco-inspired building may not be hosting swimming sessions just yet - but it could be opened as a public space soon. 

The Thornfield Road site has been closed since 1993. Even though it dates back to the inter-war years, it is one of the few remaining examples of a complete historic seaside lido in the UK. 

The public swimming pool closed in the 90s because the former South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) could not justify the economic case to keep running it after producing a feasibility study. The lido then went into a derelict state in the intervening years but received listed status in 2011. 

In November 2022 SLDC members approved funding of £1,793,800 at the last minute to save the structure. SLDC boss Paul Scullion said at the time that structural elements of the pool would be at 'imminent risk of either partial or complete failure' without 'immediate intervention.' 

£1m of this funding came from the Government's Coast Communities fund. 

However, this money was only to improve the integrity of the structure and to allow public access, leaving the Save Grange Lido Community Benefit Society the ones who would have to foot the costs of turning it into a functioning swimming pool again. 

Former SLDC councillor Robin Ashcroft said: “Stabilising this listed site and refurbishing it to create public access and a usable space for the community was always our intention. We look forward to work commencing and to the time when the rejuvenated lido, promenade and children's play area can all be enjoyed together in this beautiful and unique location - with others able to pursue the aspiration to re-water the pool in the future.”

When the caretaker duty of the lido transferred to Westmorland and Furness Council in April, it started work by strengthening the seawall and refitting a play area. Months later, to make the area safe and to allow construction traffic to work on the rest of the buildings the pool was given a 'temporary infill of stones.' 

Janet Carter, chair of the board of trustees for Save Grange Lido CBS, said: "The temporary infill was not unexpected we knew that had we not raised sufficient funds in time to follow on with the reinstatement of the pool then the site had to be made safe for public access.

"Unfortunately the council reorganisation has delayed our progress. The introduction of the new unitary authority has meant that there has been a delay in agreeing a lease for the lido due to changes in their policies and procedures.

"This has meant we haven't yet been able to apply for the major grants. We are currently working with the new Westmorland and Furness Council to progress this.

"The team remains optimistic and continues their work to bring the pool back to life. The infill is temporary and removable."

The campaign group has continued to be active in raising money this year. Four swimmers aged 38 to 53 bagged £8,110 for the charity after they swam the length of the English Channel on September 15. 

They began at 9.25am and swam up to an hour each on a rolling basis until they reached France at 4am.