Reprieve baths plea by Labour MPs

In a letter to Councillor Anne Millward, Dudley North's Ian Austin and Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East, say they cannot stress strongly enough how unpopular this decision is and offer their full backing to residents. "We share their view that the baths should not close and are asking the council to think again," the letter to the council said.

"We appreciate that the council may consider this an issue that is already decided, but the strength of opinion in the local community and the fantastic campaign run by local people show how much the baths are valued by the community in Coseley and further afield."

It is an MP's job to stand up for local people, they add.

The two MPs list a number of flaws they perceive in the council's argument for closing the pool in Pear Tree Lane.

The authority says the building needs £2 million of repairs including £1 million of urgent work to make the roof safe.

Mr McFadden and Mr Austin cite the six-figure bill for demolition as comparable to the cost of the roof repairs.

They invite Councillor Millward to consider bidding for a share of £25 million Government cash under the Free Swimming Capital Modernisation Programme.

The council says it may enter the scheme, but Coseley Baths would be omitted from any application and a new leisure centre planned in Bilston, Wolverhampton, will meet residents' needs.

Mr McFadden and Mr Austin ask why residents of Coseley, who pay their council tax to Dudley, should be advised they have to use facilities provided by another authority.

Dudley Council's deputy leader, Councillor Les Jones, said today: "Nothing has changed that would alter the position on closure, which is scheduled for Monday, August 31."

Councillor Millward was unavailable for comment.