CONSULTANTS have put the cost of keeping a Victorian swimming baths open for the next 25 years at £1.7m.

Harrogate Borough Council commissioned an £18,000 survey of the town's Starbeck Baths in May.

Consultants have now reported back and estimate that it would cost £1.7m to bring the building up to modern standards and keep it open for the next 25 years.

Their report finds that major work is needed on the external and internal structures.

Metal-framed sash windows in the main pool roof are seriously corroded and need replacing, there is damp in the roof over the porch area and the heating and hot water system is in a poor condition.

However, the gas installation, cold water services, ventilation and control systems were found to be in a good condition.

The Starbeck Baths Advisory Group will now consider the report and look at alternative management options, including setting up a trust to run the pool, before going back to the council's cabinet in November.

The council leader, Councillor Mike Gardner, said: "It is a credit to the work of our technical and leisure staff that this pool has remained operational over recent years. There has been investment made in the building, but it has had a very long life.

"While no one wants to see a reduction in leisure facilities, the council has to look realistically at the investment needed. This dilapidation report gives us those baseline figures, which we can use for the next phase of the advisory group's work."

The baths date back to 1870. The only other public swimming pool in Harrogate is the Hydro on Jennyfield Drive.