THE FATE of Carlisle’s historic Turkish Baths was discussed by council leaders at a meeting last Friday.

Carlisle’s Victorian and Turkish Baths are currently set to close in September when the adjacent 1970s pool building is demolished.

The James Street pools will be demolished to make way for the expansion of Carlisle Train Station, while Town Deal funding will see the redeveloped Sands Centre become the new home of the city’s swimming provision.

Campaigners have ambitions to rejuvenate the heritage asset but fear time is running out to give clarity on its future.

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Speaking at a Cumberland Council meeting last week, Cllr Brian Wernham said: "The Friends of the Victorian and Turkish Baths have submitted a proposal to include the baths in an Investment Plan for the Shared Prosperity Fund.

"This long-term proposal will also require review and approval by members of this authority."

He quoted the city council leader from a news story when he said the council is waiting for a written response from Cumberland Council’s leadership on if they are prepared to take it on.

Cllr Fryer said: "We don’t take over here until April and anybody who doesn’t take part in their normal day to day duty and thinks they’re going to pass a hospital ball to the new authority are mistaken.

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"That said, when the Turkish Baths or any asset come under the auspices of the Cumberland authority, then clear decision-making and transparency will be absolutely apparent and right at the forefront of everything we do."

City council leader and Cumberland councillor, John Mallinson said: "I would just like to make clear that Carlisle City Council is not wishing to pass anything on to the new authority.

"What I was doing is seeing if Cllr Fryer would meet with me and officers and have a discussion about the future of the baths.

"If we can get any view as to what this authority’s view on the baths would be post April, it would be able to inform decisions we have to make as far as continuing the Turkish Baths.

Cllr Fryer said he would meet with Cllr Mallinson: "I’ve always looked at the baths whenever I’ve driven into Carlisle and thought ‘wow, what a fantastic facility it could be.’"

He said the demolition of the 1970s pools could potentially make way for a major project "and probably return the Turkish Baths to a pretty significant heritage asset in the city, so I look forward to it."

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