A PETITION to restore a derelict open-air pool in South Lakeland has garnered close to 10,000 signatures.

Among the supporters of the ‘Save Grange Lido’ campaign is Grange Bakery, which is selling ‘Li-Do-nuts’ in order to help raise vital funds.

Joanne Errington, shop manager at Grange Bakery said: “The donuts have been flying off the shelves. Every batch we have made has been sold out in no time. It really is getting people talking about the Lido and sharing their memories of splashing around in the pool.

“Our customers are really keen on reviving the Lido and getting involved in the campaign. I, personally, spent many happy summers in that pool and I think it would be really good for everyone in the town to see it open and thriving again.”

The Save Grange Lido campaign group was originally aiming for 1,000 signatories so that the issue would be debated by South Lakeland District Council’s (SLDC) full council.

The 1930s site closed its doors in 1993 and although owners SLDC are planning on investing nearly £2million to save the grade II listed structure, its plans do not include restoring swimming to the site.

But the Save Grange Lido group, which formed in 2011, is desperate to bring the lido back to its former glory and is putting the finishing touches to a business plan to present to the council.

The group’s plans would see the complete restoration of the mushroom shaped 50m swimming basin, a 3,000sq ft cafe and restaurant, a 1,800sq ft terrace looking over the lido and out over Morecambe Bay and space for a stand-alone 3,500sq ft spa and wellness facility.

The diving area would be re-imagined as a 708sq ft bar function space with a 1,700sq ft roof terrace with panoramic views.

Phil Bradby, Chair of Save Grange Lido, said that lidos were ‘very popular again’ and were helping to bring investment, jobs and business to the towns ‘fortunate enough to have them’.

“We have researched and visited a large number of other lidos across the country and have seen just how successful Grange Lido could be,” he said.

“Other lidos show that Grange Lido could obtain the funding necessary to be restored and operate very successfully in the future.

“Times have changed a lot since the pool closed in 1993 and lidos are now booming again.

“SLDC are fortunate to have such a rare Lido and should look again at fantastic potential to create a unique tourist attraction.”

SLDC has said that it is moving forward to restore the lido site in a way that is ‘sympathetic’ to its listed status and to secure its long-term future as a sustainable community asset.