LEADERS are to determine the fate of Carlisle's Turkish Baths.

Carlisle City Council will vote next week on whether to mothball the heritage asset while work to expand the railway is completed or to keep it open as long as possible and cover the costs.

The health and wellbeing facility is currently set to close next month in preparation for the demolition of the 1970s James Street Pools next door.

This is what our readers think.

A News & Star reader online said: "Surely it had the potential to be turned into a modern-day spa?"

Martin Hogarth said: "I saw it yesterday, the tiles are amazing. Fantastic quality. Look like new even today.

"This has to be preserved. I understand the place does not make money as a spa. It must be turned into a tourist attraction. With maybe the other parts into a cafe. Turn it into a museum."

David Eyley said: "These baths are amazing, and a piece of history that's over 100 years old.

"I did a survey there, and when I walked through the door for the first time, it was a 'wow' moment.

"And potentially bulldozed for what - 15 more parking spaces? Please Carlisle CC, stop knocking down any more of our history, our potential tourist attractions."

Jim Stewart raised the question: "All these comments against the building being bulldozed down, how many of you people ever used this amenity?"

Demolition of the pool building will facilitate the expansion of Carlisle’s railway station under a regeneration scheme part-funded by £20 million from the Borderlands Growth Deal.

The city council would have to pick up the £15,000 per month bill for staff, utility costs and overheads if the baths were to remain open.