CAMPAIGNERS pressing for a pool to be included in any restoration of Grange Lido have handed in a petition to South Lakeland District Council (SLDC).

The council has been consulting on options to give the Grade II facility a “light touch” restoration but have ruled out reinstating the traditional pool, deeming it “unviable”.

But campaign group, Save Grange Lido, argue that the long derelict “Art Deco gem” could become a major tourist attraction on the promenade.

They oppose council plans that the pool should be infilled before being opened to the public.

Pam Parker, representing Save Grange Lido, handed over a 3,135 signature petition at a meeting of the full council sitting in Kendal.

An online petition has so far generated more than 13,500 signatories.

Mrs Parker told the council chamber: “Our supporters would like the Grange Lido restoration to include a swimming pool and for the council to assure us that any restoration without a swimming pool is ruled out.”

Council chairman Eric Morrell thanked Mrs Parker for the document and said it would be considered in due course.

Mr Morrell (Lib Dem, Grange) said: “Obviously we will consider the petition and you will be contacted by officers within 10 working days once the verification process has been completed and will be advised of the outcome.

“If there are 1,000 signatures or more from within the South Lakeland District Council area, the date at which the matter will be debated by the full council will be passed to you.”