New demo as baths fight support grows

Defiant campaigners desperate to save Coseley Baths from the bulldozer held a protest in the rain as they continued their fight to get the pool reopened.

Around 200 people joined the peaceful one-hour demonstration on the steps of the boarded-up building in Pear Tree Lane. With banners and Save Coseley Baths T-shirts, the protesters heard speeches from campaign leader Brian Guest and supporters including MP Ian Austin.

Demolition is expected to be in the New Year although Mr Guest, aged 65, is investigating legal action to prevent bulldozers moving in.

Mr Guest, of Elmwood Rise, Sedgley, said he was "heartened" by yesterday's turnout adding it showed the strength of feeling in the community.

"We are not giving up. Not only are we receiving more support from all over the area but we have been inundated with financial support to enable us to carry on our legal battle," he said.

Families spoke of the hole that had been left in the community since the swimming pool closed its doors on August 31.

Mr Austin, who was joined by fellow Labour MP, Pat McFadden, for Wolverhampton South East, called for money to be invested in the site to bring it up to scratch. The campaign group distributed hundreds of leaflets sporting the face of legendary West Bromwich Albion striker Tony "Bomber" Brown who is the latest high-profile name to support the crusade.

Campaigners were given fresh hope last month when it emerged that a colony of 20 bats was roosting at the building.

Dudley Council commissioned an ecological survey of the condemned pool after several sightings of bats were reported.

Dudley Council says the roof of the building needs £1 million of urgent repairs.