Residents are celebrating after the council’s “historic”

decision to take back control of Saltdean Lido.

After months of protests, petitions and speculation, Brighton and Hove City Council has agreed a deal to secure the lease back from businessman Dennis Audley.

Rebecca Crook, of the Save Saltdean Lido campaign, said: “It is through the support of local residents and the dedicated team of volunteers that we have got where we are today.

“This is the solution that local people wanted.

“We want to see a vibrant lido and from our point of view we feel that we are best placed to provide that.”

Liz Lee, of the Saltdean Community Association, which is based on the site and supports 700 people a week, added: “We want to ensure the long-term vitality of the lido and look forward to working with the council for these aims.”

The Argus understands that the council paid £160,000 to secure the lease with the repair bill set to come in at an extra £200,000.

The move has received cross-party support with councillors praising the campaign group’s determination.

Architects Conran and Partners, who specialise in art deco buildings, backed the lido campaign.

They said the facility was “an outstanding part of the city’s heritage”.

Paul Zara, from the firm, added: “The art deco era is unique in British building history.

Saltdean Lido is a beautiful iconic building which should be preserved.

“We are delighted the lido is back in council ownership and we look forward to having the opportunity to work further on the campaign’s plans to successfully run the lido and to restore this fine building and facilities to their former glory.