CAMPAIGNERS fighting to keep a historic lido open have turned to crowdfunding to support a mammoth restoration project.

The Saltdean Lido, which is listed as one of the seven wonders of the English seaside, is the only Grade II listed lido in the country.

The 1930s outdoor swimming was reopened last May after organisers spent £3 million to restore the pool to its former glory.

Now they need to secure another £4.2 million for phase two of its restoration.

Managers have set up a crowdfunding page on Spacehive because funding cuts to the Heritage Lottery Fund means competition among applicants is much tougher.

Chairwoman of Saltdean Lido Sally Horrox said the pool urgently needs more funding so the remaining restoration work can be completed.

She said: “This is a toe in the water, really, to see whether the community will help us realise phase two of the funding.

“It’s just a drop in the ocean in monetary terms but crucial to the future of the lido.

“Rule changes at the Heritage Lottery Fund means the entire project could be sunk if we don’t show that a sustainable flow of funding has been established. Receiving phase two of the funding is not a forgone conclusion.”

Organisers are aiming to raise £100,000 by June 1 to rebuild its historic cafe in the main building.

They welcomed more than 40,000 visitors last year and also picked up two Brighton and Hove Business Awards, Best New Kid on the Block, and Best Hospitality Leisure and Tourism.

Brighton and Hove City Council has also given a pledge of £700,000.

Ms Horrox said: “Now we have to make a competitive pitch and prove that we are worthier recipients than other restoration schemes.

“We need the funding to transform it into a leisure facility, community hub and tourist destination of which Saltdean can once again be proud.”

The Saltdean Lido project has received national and international recognition from architects and social historians who hail the site as being of historical significance.

To support Saltdean Lido, head to saltdeanlido.org.