Baths being reduced to rubble within days

It is the sight residents in Coseley hoped they would never see. But heavy machinery has now moved in to reduce Coseley baths to rubble.

The heavy-duty diggers symbolically cast a shadow over the building in Pear Tree Lane as it entered its final chapter after more than 40 years. Contractors Coleman & Co will use High Reach machinery to knock the baths "within days". The cranes moved onto the site yesterday.

Dudley Council's cabinet member for property Councillor Adrian Turner said he expected major demolition to be completed by the end of the week.

"Once they get started pulling it down it won't take long at all," he said.

"We would hope it could be done by the end of the week.

"What I'm concerned about now is the neighbours and making sure there is as little disturbance as possible. We want it done safely but we also want it done with a minimum of disruption to residents."

The D-day demolition date was due last week but safety fears delayed the works.

Coleman & Co revised their plans due to the damning safety report which marked the beginning of the end for the baths.

Engineers found the roof needed £1million of urgent works to make it safe.

"The contractors have decided to go about it a bit differently to ensure the roof doesn't cause any danger to the workmen," Councillor Turner said.

Save Coseley Baths campaign spokesman Brian Guest said "We are disappointed it has got to this stage, however we plan to carry on fighting until the last brick is removed," he said. "Then we shall start fighting for a new baths in Coseley.

"This is the end of a chapter, then we will start another chapter," he said.

Work to remove windows, doors and asbestos started last month after Coleman & Co won the contract.