Councillors are looking at ways of funding the future of the pool

Council chiefs had considered the cost of renovating the Victorian pool too high at the �1m mark.

Now the town's councillors have decided to set up a working group to look at ways of saving the 130-year old baths.

A further decision will be taken in July, but campaigners say they are delighted the baths will not face immediate closure.

Leader of the council Mike Gardner has warned the closure option has not been ruled out.

Starbeck Baths on Spa Lane opened as the Prince of Wales Baths in 1870.

The only other public swimming pool in Harrogate is the Hydro on Jennyfield Drive which was opened in 1999.