A PUBLIC petition calling for a swimming pool to be included in any restoration of Grange Lido will be debated by councillors next week.

Campaign group, Save Grange Lido, have argued that the 1930s “Art Deco gem” could become a major tourist attraction on the promenade.

South Lakeland District Council has consulted on options to restore the Grade II lido but have so far ruled out reinstating the pool, deeming it “unviable”.

Grange had an indoor swimming pool at Berners Close which was funded by a £2.3 million Sport England grant.

It opened in 2003 but then shut in 2006 due to “structural faults, low usage and management difficulties,” according to a council report.

At an SLDC meeting in October, Pam Parker, representing Save Grange Lido, handed over a 3,135 signature petition.

It read: “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.”

The topic will now be debated for 15 minutes at a meeting of the full council taking place in Kendal on Tuesday.

The council’s petition process means that petitions which contain over 1,000 signatures can be debated – providing signatories’ names and addresses are included and that they live, work or study in the area.

The outdoor pool was shut in 1993 and a council report said it was in an “increasingly deteriorating state”.

A report to councillors next week stated: “In order for the cabinet to make an informed decision, full council may consider it appropriate to forward any comments arising out of its debate to cabinet to take into account when reaching a decision as to future actions regarding the lido."