A question mark hangs over the future of a £3.5 million swimming pool after the contract with the current leaseholders was terminated.

Berners Pool, in Grange-over-Sands, has been under threat ever since it closed last summer after a long struggle to keep afloat financially, and now fears have been sparked that it may never reopen.

Members of the Cartmel Peninsular Recreational Trust (CPRT), owners and operators of the pool with Berners (Grange) Ltd before the pool went into liquidation, say they have spent thousands of hours of manpower trying to save the pool.

But it was announced yesterday that South Lakeland District Council had ended the trust's lease and taken control of the site.

Coun Peter Thornton, SLDC's cabinet member for communities and well-being, said: "It is clear that there is no realistic prospect of CPRT being able to re-open the pool. We therefore consider it appropriate to assume control in order to fully explore the future of the site.

"Our first priority is to explore the chances of it remaining as a swimming pool. If that does not happen we have to look at other uses.

"It is not the role of the council to take on and run this swimming pool and we already own two pools in the area, at Ulverston and Kendal. The council is not funded by Government as highly as some other councils are, and we put a great deal of resources into leisure facilities, but we simply cannot spend any more than we are doing."

Mr Thornton said there were a "mixture of problems" with the pool, including a large amount of water leakage from the elements.

He said the district council would work with Grange Town Council, but he could not guarantee the future of the pool.

"We are not currently planning to remove the building but obviously we do not rule out anything in the long term.

"We have to find the best way forward for that area in order to benefit the people of Grange."

Mr Thornton said there were a number of parties already showing interest in the pool, before adding: "If anyone wants to put a proposal to the council they are welcome to come forward."

The pool opened in the town three years ago thanks to a community fund-raising campaign and charitable grants.

Jimmy and Jane Duncan, of the Graythwaite Manor Hotel, are both trustees for the CPRT. Mr Duncan said the pool was treasured by residents. He added: "It is unthinkable that Grange would not have a pool."

The trustees were due to hold a meeting yesterday (Thursday) evening.