Bats could save condemned baths
A bat colony believed to be nesting in the roof of Coseley baths has given campaigners hope the building could be saved from the bulldozer.
Three sightings have been reported this week of bats flying above the pool and resting on the ceiling.
Campaigners have reported the sightings to Dudley Council.
The future of the building could now hinge on an ecological survey, with demolition delayed if bats are found to be nesting at the site which is due to close next month.
Dudley Council says the baths need £2 million of repairs, including £1 million of urgent work to make the roof safe.
Council officer Duncan Lowndes said: "An ecological survey is to be undertaken to assess whether we do indeed have bats roosting or not, whether they use it as a transitory stopping point or otherwise."
It is illegal to disturb bat roosts under conservation laws, meaning the council would have to wait for the bats to move on of their own accord before they could knock Coseley baths down if they are found to be nesting there.
Campaigners are holding a protest meeting at the baths tonight as time runs out to stop the closure. The meeting starts at 7pm.
