Jobs will go at under-threat pool

Staff at closure-haunted Coseley baths have been told their jobs will be gone in three months as the bulldozer looms for the building.

Dudley Council has issued 18 full and part time workers with redeployment notices offering them jobs elsewhere in the borough. The pool in Pear Tree Lane is due to close in August after a council survey found £2 million of repairs are needed. Campaigners who want the baths to be retained say they are sceptical and have ordered their own survey.

They are angry the council has set the wheels in motion to close the pool before the independent study has been carried out.

However deputy leader Councillor Les Jones said protestors needed to be realistic.

"We have made a clear commitment to closing the baths on safety grounds," he said. "We believe our structural engineer's report stands up – we don't use 'fly by nights'.

"It's harsh to have it spelled out but I don't think we should deceive people into believing there's a future for the baths.

"We have got to give staff a reasonable opportunity to apply for other jobs, it's pretty standard practice. If people's jobs are going they get the option of being redeployed."

In an email to the Express & Star, swimming enthusiast Allan Hughes questioned why redeployment notices had already been issued when money was being "wasted" on a second inspection of the pool roof.

And campaign leader Paul Bolton said: "We are not surprised the council is working this way because they have refused to discuss anything with the campaigners and have not carried out a proper public consultation.

Dudley Council spokeswoman Amy Shaw said: "All 18 members of staff, both full and part time will be subject to the council's redeployment policy.

"They may be redeployed within the sport and physical activity section undertaking a similar role, or they may be redeployed elsewhere within the council where their individual skill set matches the requirements of the available role."