A CAMPAIGN group committed to restoring an iconic South Lakes lido has had permission to access the site to complete its research.

Save Grange Lido (SGL) presented its business plan for the swimming pool to South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) on Wednesday (September 19).

The lido closed in 1993 and although owners SLDC plan to invest nearly £2m to save the structure, its plans do not include restoring swimming to the site.

But the group is desperate to bring the lido back and has undertaken research to produce a business plan which proposes a pool, restaurant, café and spa.

It claims the lido would run at a surplus of £100,000 per annum and would cease to be dependent on tax payers.

Phil Bradby, chair of SGL, said: “We presented our report and business plan to the councillors which, like previous studies funded by SLDC, shows a lido with a pool would be viable and a valuable addition to the local economy.”

However, a spokesperson for SLDC said any previous studies which had shown a pool option would be viable had ‘inflated’ the amount of visitors which would be required to make a pool option work.

“Our report shows that restoring the lido with a pool is the only sensible and realistic option,” Mr Bradby continued. “We are concerned that alternative plans will create a white elephant. People don’t want a temporary fix, consultations have all shown there is strong demand for a lido with a pool at its heart.”

A spokesperson for SLDC said it welcomed the business plan and would respond to key points alongside Grange Town Council.

“The campaigners and their professional advisors will have access to the lido site to complete their research,” it said. “Several studies have concluded that retaining Grange Lido for use as a pool is not viable. Following public consultation, SLDC 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. This includes a temporary infill of the pool which would not preclude future plans for the site.”