A campaigner for open air showers on Morecambe Promenade fears the plans have stalled after he launched a petition two years ago.
Open water swimmer Simon Walker wants showers to be installed on the seafront so people can wash after using Morecambe Bay - and his petition at Change.org gained hundreds of supporters.
But Mr Walker said that two years on, he's unhappy with the lack of progress on the scheme.
Lancaster City Council told us work is "ongoing" but it is "not as straightforward as it might first appear".
Beyond Radio interviewed Simon in 2024 and he said this helped him secure a meeting with an engineer to discuss possible sites and timescales.
"But more than two years later the project is still stalled," he said this week.
"The main problem is the council’s lack of in-house capacity: they rely on an external engineering consultancy that charges thousands for designs.
"The first design was clearly cost-prohibitive - something a simple utilities check would have shown.
"Despite three stakeholders (myself included) having construction backgrounds, we are not invited to the consultants’ meetings, where we could have flagged these issues and saved time and money.
"The second set of designs is similarly inadequate and unrealistically likely to complete this year.
"Answers are vague — phrases like 'we’re keen to progress this project' or 'we’re happy to maintain dialogue' but no substantive responses to our questions.
"This has dragged on for six years, with the current council team involved for the last two."
Mr Walker said that external funding from Morecambe BID and Sport England had been secured in the past, "only for the council to stall progress".
Councillor Martin Bottoms, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Morecambe Regeneration and Local Economy, said in response: “The council recognises that a suitable shower facility would be a welcome addition for those swimming in Morecambe Bay or making use of the beach.
Councillor Martin Bottoms
"However, delivering this is not as straightforward as it might first appear.
“Because of the proposed location, the technical requirements are significantly more complex than installing a domestic shower.
"It needs to be designed to withstand exposure to the elements, connect safely into existing services, and ensure appropriate drainage.
“Specialist feasibility work has been commissioned and this design work is ongoing.
"Following this, the next stage will be to secure an appropriate funding package, and given the wider pressures on council budgets, the city council will not be able to meet the full cost alone, so we are exploring opportunities for external contributions.
“We remain committed to working with the group and other partners to bring the project forward.”
Mr Walker said in 2024 that showers would "provide convenience and promote hygiene and cleanliness" for people using the Bay.
"I think it will be of a great benefit," he said at the time.
"There are more than 6,000 members of MALLOWS, the local swimming community. We've got jet skiers, families with little toddlers with sandy feet.
"We're looking at the Clock Tower, round the cafe. We've got a couple of options.
The Clock Tower in Morecambe
"You get covered in sand and mud...sometimes the water quality isn't fantastic.
"It would be nice for people to rinse off, get themselves clean and all their kit and equipment clean as well.
"I'm sure if we get some good numbers on the petition that will give us some backing for the council to make a move on this for us."
A Lancaster City Council spokesperson said in 2024: "We acknowledge the request for the council to consider installing showers near the Clock Tower and in principle the council is supportive.
"However, to evaluate any proposal which will have a long-term impact on its budget, a feasibility study will need to be conducted first.
"Investigations into the installation costs for such a facility on Morecambe Promenade, as well as the long term cost of its operation and maintenance is ongoing."
Carnforth mum fulfills lifelong dream to publish book she wrote for her own children
New fund opens to support festivals and creative projects in Lancaster district
Morecambe man jailed for possessing thousands of indecent images on mobile
Filming set to start on new series of Morecambe-based TV drama The Bay
TV family's firm becomes official pie suppliers to Morecambe Football Club
Morecambe MP calls on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to step down
Lancaster hospital bosses take extra measures to cope with pressures on services
Future of Lancaster restaurant uncertain as owners announce closure plans
New taxi booking office gets green light to open in Morecambe
Up to 90 new homes near Bay Gateway get thumbs up from council
Carnforth woman tells of weight loss journey ahead of new Morecambe slimming group launch
Park and Ride bus services to Lancaster city centre to reduce
WATCH and LISTEN: Walking with sheep as mayor revives ancient tradition at Lancaster farm
Lancaster University professor is new President of the Royal Astronomical Society
Friends from Morecambe to take on Ultra Marathon for brave toddler
Firefighters and swim centre team give key water safety message on Morecambe school visit
Police probe after stolen motorbike being ridden dangerously found in Morecambe
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
