AN ART deco lido has been placed on English Heritage’s At Risk register for the first time.

Saltdean Lido, which is a grade II* listed building, is the only new entry to the register for Brighton and Hove this year.

It states that the building is in a “poor” condition, “is suffering from a maintenance backlog” and “a particular deterioration of its reinforced concrete”.

The annual report identifies the most important listed buildings that are threatened by development pressures, neglect or decay.

Photographs taken by the Save Saltdean Lido Campaign show cracked walls, damp and a shabby looking exterior on parts of the building.

The campaign was set up in March last year after lido leaseholder Dennis Audley unveiled plans to build flats on the site and fill in the pool.

The group has drawn up its own business plan and designs of how they would restore the lido, with the help of Conran and Partners.

This afternoon, the Save Saltdean Lido Campaign will present an e-petition to Brighton and Hove City Council, the freeholder of the building, asking it to revoke the lease of Mr Audley.

Rebecca Crook, chairwoman of the campaign, said: “It is clear to all that the leaseholder has deliberately run down this building so he can say that the only option is development.”

A council spokesman said: “While the building may be officially deemed at risk, we have no intention of letting it crumble.”