READERS have responded to campaigners calling for urgent clarity on the fate of Carlisle's 138 year-old historic Turkish baths.

The Turkish Health Suite on James Street is set to close in September when the neighbouring Pools building is demolished, making way for the Borderlands-funded redevelopment of Carlisle Railway Station.

At that point GLL staff will move to the redeveloped Sands Centre which will become the new home of swimming provision in Carlisle thanks to the Town Deal.

Here's what you had to say. 

Dawn Rearden said: "Very short sighted, this could be such a great tourist attraction and could earn money to pay for itself.

"There are so few of these beautiful historic facilities left in the country they are part of the Victorian heritage of our country."

Christine Elliott said: "No doubt our councillors will deem it less important than the plastic grass in the city centre."

Robin Brown said: "How about dismantling it and giving it to Beamish Museum?"

Sammy JB said: "That would be a very sad day indeed, the Friends have secured funding for an architect and feasibility study, we just need the backing. Be proactive and save the Turkish Baths."

Friends of Carlisle's Victorian and Turkish Baths attended a meeting of Carlisle City Council on Tuesday asking the leader what financial provision has been made for the facilities in the maintenance programme that will be transferred to the new Cumberland Council.

Councillor John Mallinson said that while no commitments could be made to the future of the baths, all aspects are being considered and a business case will be submitted to scrutiny.

The subsidy to the rate payer for attendees of the baths is £24 per person.

Carlisle City Council is also waiting for an answer from the Cumberland Council leadership on whether they are prepared to take it over.

The campaign group has now written to the leaders of the city, county and new unitary council proposing a 'short term fix' for the situation.

Chair of the Friends, Julie Minns, said: "We understand that not knowing when and for how long the Turkish Baths might have to close to facilitate the demolition of the 1974 swimming pool, makes it difficult to agree a contract for the operation of the Turkish Baths."

READ MORE: Friends of Carlisle's Turkish Baths call for urgent clarity facility's fate