A CAR PARK and nursery in Grange-over-Sands could be sold off for a supermarket development with proceeds ploughed into tackling problems in the town, reports Victoria Clark.

A report due to be discussed by South Lakeland District Council's cabinet on Wednesday sets out the "controversial" idea of disposing of the Berners Close site to raise at least £500,000 to address the gradual decay of council-owned properties in the town

At least £400,000 of work is urgently needed on the sea wall and sealed-off old pool, which is filled with eight feet of rainwater that cannot be drained, and is dangerous to local children.

Around £790,000 of work is needed on the promenade and the cost of repairing Berners Close footbridge and Clare House Bridge over the railway - both recently condemned by engineers - could range from £150,000 for minimal repairs to £ 700,000 for them to be demolished and rebuilt.

As the council has insufficient money to meet massive repair bills, and income from other money-making assets already committed, the report by SLDC's director of amenities and development Martin Jayne states the only obvious answer is to use the Berners Close site for a retail development, and to forge a partnership with developers to tackle as many problems as possible.

Advantages could include the council accepting payment in kind for replacement footbridges, regeneration of the old pool site, or promenade repairs.

The council could also retain control of parking on the site as part of a supermarket development, and income from the car park should be boosted by increased use.

The report concludes that, due to a lack of funds, the only other option would be to do nothing, which would mean assets would continue to decay, with the risk of potential prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive, or even potential injury or death for people who trespass into the old pool site.

Councillors are advised that a retail appraisal of Grange be carried out - at a cost of £20-30,000 - to determine the need for a supermarket and the Berners Close site's suitability.

Last summer, news that Booths had made inquiries about buying the site for a supermarket sparked a wave of objection from traders, who set up the Grange and District Action Group.

Group chairman Anne Salisbury yesterday said she welcomed the council trying to tackle the town's problems, but that to sell the site off for a supermarket would sound the death knell for its many small shops, ruining one part of the town at the expense of another.