CAMPAIGNERS trying to save an iconic Grade II listed building have launched a petition.

Members of the Ladywell Village Improvement Group (LVIG) and Lewisham Buildings Preservation Trust (LBPT) want Lewisham council to take action to stop the Ladywell Baths from being left to rot.

They say the Gothic building, which was put on the Victorian Society’s buildings at risk register in September, could be destroyed by fire or be taken over by squatters if the council does not take action.

So far more than 590 people have signed the online petition to save the Ladywell Road building which dates back to 1884.

Campaigner Tony Rich said: “There is a lot of support from people in Ladywell and beyond for something meaningful to be done to secure and safeguard this building and bring it back into use.

“However, we are getting increasingly frustrated by the council’s lack of action.

“We lost one part of the building in a fire not so long ago and we are worried it could happen again as the building is not secure.

“What we would like is the council work with LBPT to repair and restore the building and then transfer it to us so we can run it for the benefit of the community.

“People are lining up to help us but they will go away if the council doesn’t take action now.”

Mr Rich said ideas for its future use included a theatre space, climbing wall, swimming pool, cinema and performance space.

If the petition gets 8,000 signatures by the time it closes in February the group will be able to secure a debate at a full council meeting.

James Hughes, senior Victorian Society conservation adviser said: “The Victorian Society is pleased that including the former Ladywell Baths in our top 10 endangered buildings 2015 list has galvanised the local community.

“The council must now act quickly to capitalise on the interest and publicity the baths gained from inclusion in our top 10 list.”

A Lewisham council spokeswoman said: “We understand the importance of Ladywell Baths and the contribution it makes to the local area’s character and welcome the community interest in preserving this heritage asset. We have already taken steps to slow down the deterioration of the buildings.

“However, the challenge remains to find the substantial funds needed to restore them. We continue to actively pursue options and in the new year we will start the process to find a partner to work with to raise funds to secure their future.”

To sign the petition, go to Click here

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