Birmingham's historic Moseley Road Baths could be fully re-opened with a huge injection of lottery money.

The crumbling Edwardian baths were threatened in closure in 2002 when the city council claimed it could not foot the repair bill - put at between £1 million and £10 million.

But following a campaign by local families and swimmers it did a U-turn and pledged to save the pool by funding emergency repairs.

The smaller of the two pools is due to re-open on October 7 but the main pool will remain closed until more money is found. The council has now applied for a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Coun Martin Mullaney, chairman of the council's working party, said they had a meeting with fund representatives to discuss their bid.

"It was positive in that the HLF was happy for both baths to be retained as swimming pools," he said. "But they insisted on a full structural survey, which we are now working on, and a business plan.

"This will include an assurance from the council it will keep the building running as a swimming baths."

Coun Mullaney said the council would also have to provide evidence the local community will use the baths. If a larger grant is required it will also have to demonstrate that people from outside Birmingham will use the pool.

He said the HLF required local authorities to contribute towards the funding.