Plea over cash for survival of baths

Campaigners fighting to save a condemned Black Country baths are lobbying the regional development agency for funding to help keep the facility open.

The baths, in Pear Tree Lane, Coseley, will close later this summer as Tory-controlled Dudley Council says they need £2 million of work by August, including £1 million urgent roof repairs, to make them safe.

Tory party member Paul Wynn asked Advantage West Midlands to intervene and expects a response this week. The father-of-one, aged 45, of Thoresby Croft, Coseley, said he was inspired to get involved by son Thomas, six, offering to give up his pocket money to help save the baths.

Mr Wynn is working with campaign chairman Paul Bolton and Brian Guest to co-ordinate responses to closure plans. Dozens packed into the building on Friday for an action committee meeting. Committee member Mr Guest, 65, of Elmwood Rise, Sedgley, urged people to write to the council and demand to know why they should continue to pay council tax.

Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden, whose constituency will cover the swimming pool at the next election, is backing the campaign and spoke, warning people to keep any action within the law.

Council bosses say their hands are tied by a structural report. The committee's next meeting is on June 24 at Lower Gornal Youth Academy, Temple Street.