CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating a dramatic improvement in the fortunes of Lymington’s famous seawater baths.

Civic chiefs have revealed the pool has seen a massive reduction in its annual deficit, which averaged £70,000 only a few years ago.

According to the latest figures, the lido is expected to make a loss of less than £45,000 in the current financial year.

And town hall bosses say the “true” figure is set to be just £1,262 once the cost of improvements and extra water treatment work has been taken into account.

Money saved by the deficit reduction will be reinvested in the 181-year-old facility, which needs major refurbishment.

Lynx Sports Management runs the Grade II-listed building on behalf of Lymington and Pennington Town Council and partly funds the facility.

Lynx took over in July 2013 and introduced a large number of new attractions, making the pool less dependent on hot weather.

Cllr Alan Penson said: “Lynx have got the necessary time and expertise and have made the baths more attractive to people.”

Lynx boss Hugo Ambrose added: “Prior to 2013 it was just a swimming pool but we now do a range of activities including an inflatable obstacle course, kayaking and paddle-boarding, plus zorbing and a climbing tower. Hopefully it’s something the New Forest can be proud of, not just a lossleader.”

The baths, which overlook the Solent and the Lymington River, are thought to have attracted about 25,000 visitors this year.

Mr Ambrose added: “We’re seeing a wider usage of the pool and I think the facility will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Dubbed the oldest lido in the UK the 110-metre long pool is also one of the largest.

Under the five-year deal with Lynx, the council funds repairs and improvements to the pool and takes a percentage of the gate money. Lynx pays all the running costs apart from water treatment.

Cllr Anna Rostand said: “It’s fantastic what Hugo Ambrose has done. The pool always appears to busy when I go past. Let’s congratulate all those who have made it work.”

Earlier this year councillors debated a multi-million pound plan to modernise the baths, which have been at the heart of the town since 1833.