DOZENS of residents donned swimwear in an effort to get their MP to support them in a bid to restore a South Lakeland landmark to its former glory.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron's surgery at Grange-over-Sands saw members of the 'Save Grange Lido' action group, who want to prevent the former outdoor pool from being filled in with concrete, head out to have their voices heard.

South Lakeland District Council held a public consultation into the future of the dormant lido in early 2017, but an option to restore it to its original purpose was not among the options.

Proposals put forward by the authority were to restore the site's buildings for different commercial uses, but the pool would be filled in with concrete.

Save Grange Lido welcomes plans to open up the site and restore the buildings for community use and revenue earning potential. However, the group opposes spending public money on filling in the pool, and believe the money should be spent on restoring the Lido.

“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 concrete in the short-sighted hope that what the council sees as a liability will go away," said Phil Bradby, co-chair of Save Grange Lido.

"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."

A spokesperson for South Lakeland District Council said: “Several studies have concluded that retaining Grange Lido for use as a pool isn’t viable.

"Public consultations were held in 2013 and 2017 to explore realistic options for its future. Local residents, businesses and visitors have had their say on non-pool options which are compatible with the Grade II listing of the site.

"As a result of public consultation, South Lakeland District Council is now moving forward to restore the lido site in a way that is sympathetic to its listed status and to secure its long-term future.

"We are now at the design stage, working with engineers and architects to deliver a sustainable community asset which could be used 365 days of the year.”