Council officials have pledged to work with all parties to protect the future of an art deco lido.

John Barradell, chief executive of Brighton and Hove City Council, held a meeting last week with residents who raised concerns about the Grade II* listed Saltdean Lido.

Members of the Save Saltdean Lido Campaign were told the council would “always act as fairly as possible”.

The campaign group is asking the council to take action against leaseholder Dennis Audley who they claim is not looking after the building properly.

A council spokeswoman said the authority had served two notices on Mr Audley last year, and was discussing with him the works needed to comply with the notices.

She said: “Talks between the council and the leaseholder remain confidential at this stage.”

Last year, Mr Audley unveiled plans to redevelop parts of the lido, which included building 102 flats at the site.

The Save Saltdean Lido Campaign was set up and the group has developed its own business plan outlining how it would preserve the building.

Chairwoman Rebecca Crook said: “We believe the leaseholder does not have the interests of the building or community at heart.

“The campaign group is continuing to urge the council to start legal action to have the lease removed from him.”

Geoffrey Bowden, the council’s cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said: “We are very sympathetic to the Lido situation. Our prime objective is to ensure the public are best served over its long-term future. This is an extremely complex and, unavoidably protracted, process.

But we are determined to work with all those involved for the Lido’s future.