THE failed swimming pool in Grange-over-Sands could be demolished within a matter of weeks.

The news was announced yesterday by district councillor Graham Vincent, who said the Berner’s Close ‘white elephant’ could be gone before the end of summer.

“Demolition will be within a few weeks, that we know,” he said.

“It will be demolished no matter what - whether we get consent for homes on the site or not.”

The revelation followed Wednesday's South Lakeland District Council Cabinet meeting, when members agreed to appoint a contractor to knock down the building.

Coun Tom Harvey, for Grange South, told the meeting: “In terms of the demolition it’s disappointing we’re seeing the pool go because we need to remember that a lot of people in the community spent a lot of time and money fundraising to get it in the first place.

“But we have done enough looking backwards and now we need to look forwards.”

The removal of the pool is part of a scheme which includes building a medical centre and 45 affordable homes.

A parcel of land is also set to be sold on the open market to raise funds for the redevelopment of the outdoor lido, while a public car park is proposed to serve the lido.

It follows the failure of the £3.3m leisure centre, which has stood empty since 2006.

“The site has had issues for 50 years now and we want to see it drawn to a close,” said Coun Vincent.

“We believe this is a holistic plan that will real-ly benefit local people.”

Coun Roger Bingham added: “It’s a sad day, but the pool has to go.”

An exact date for demolition has yet to be confirmed. Permission for the operation will be con-sidered at a meeting of the council planning commit-tee next Thursday.