Dexys man sings out against pool closure

A founder member of Dexys Midnight Runners has penned a protest song about condemned Coseley Baths as the pool enters its final week before closure.

Original bass guitarist Pete Williams hopes that the "simple tune with a heartfelt message" would help campaigners save the pool he visited as a child. Mr Williams, who grew up in Whiteheath, between Blackheath and Oldbury, would walk for miles to the baths because it had the highest diving board.

The song, which runs to almost four minutes, calls on the council to "Save Coseley Baths, won't you bring them back, bring them back, the coolest pool, please bring it back".

Members of Coseley Male Voice Choir and schoolchildren were also involved in recording the CD, which is being circulated to councillors pushing ahead with plans to shut the pool on August 31.

Mr Williams, who has lectured at Dudley College, was only too happy to help save the baths.

He said: "I was informed that the baths were being shut down against the community's wishes and said that if there was anything I could do to help, I'd be happy to.

"I was asked if I'd write a song, which I did, and members of Coseley Male Voice Choir turned out, along with some great young people who regularly use the pool. I wasn't paid, and I don't want anything for it."

Save Coseley Baths campaign spokesman Brian Guest said today: "The fact Pete Williams has come forward shows the strength of feeling within the area about the decision by the council to close the baths.

"If they do not listen to the voices of children, they have no hearts."

Williams was bass guitarist with Dexys Midnight Runners when they formed in 1979, recording the group's first single Dance Stance, but left amid a mass exodus the following year after a row with vocalist Kevin Rowland.

Mr Guest is urging residents to converge on the baths from 10.30am on August 31 for a protest outside the pool, at which the song will be played.