South Lakeland District Council has again stressed that returning the Lido in Grange back into a functioning outdoor swimming pool is not a viable option.

A report has concluded that returning it to its former use is out of the question, due to the lack of visitor number to the town and the region's cooler temperatures.

Local campaigners disagree though, and have launched a Facebook page in efforts to change the council's mind.

Grange Mayor Tricia Thomas said: "I know there is a lot a passion surrounding the Lido, locally known as the old bathing pool, and a small minority of people still believe a pool is viable, but I want to assure everyone that there has been exhaustive investigation into the various options for the site over the years and that this is just not a viable option.

"It needs to be remembered that we are not in the sunnier, warmer south west, the building, though well loved, is not an architectural gem and we just do not have the potential footfall needed to support a swimming facility.

"SLDC are looking to invest well over £1m in restoring the site to a usable space that may support businesses as well as visitors and residents and this significant investment is to be welcomed.

She added: "The site has lain derelict for over 20 years and I'm delighted we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I firmly believe that we will eventually see this valuable amenity made available for the enjoyment of all once again."

District Councillor Tom Harvey added: "This is a project I've been working on for many years.

"Time and again professionals have studied what can be done on the site and while it may be possible to fund the restoration of the site, with costs starting at £5m and only getting higher, what is abundantly clear is that with even the most modern and efficient technology in place, and based on the most optimistic usage assumptions the site would lose money year after year and I don't believe that’s a burden we should place on local taxpayers.

"If there is a genuine groundswell of opinion that more could be done, I would welcome any volunteers or organisations who have the skills and enthusiasm to fund and run the site and want to look to take it forward.

He continued: "However, that option has been available for over 20 years and despite claims that a Lido is what’s needed, all the evidence I've seen produced by experts in this field just does not back up these emotive opinions.

"I've never been shy to stick the boot in when the local Council is not performing, but SLDC are finally putting their money where their mouth is and here we are seeing a genuine, realistic and viable way of bringing the site back into use, albeit in a different way to how it was enjoyed last century.

"I'll continue to work with colleagues to deliverable a viable solution to this unsightly mess."