Work begins on demolishing baths

Four decades of history were being brought crashing to the ground today as demolition started at Coseley baths.

A huge claw arm smashed through the back wall of the building in Pear Tree Lane shortly before 9am and was making short work of reducing it to rubble. A gaping hole had been exposed within minutes.

It is expected to take two days to knock down the baths, which opened in 1963.

Brian Guest, who has led the Save Coseley Baths campaign to save the pool, said: "It is a really sad day, not just for the people of Coseley but for all the swimmers in the borough.

"We would like to thank all the people who have supported us, not just financially but also through the hundreds of letters we have received from residents in Coseley, people from across the borough and even around the country.

"What we believe is the decision taken by this council has deprived hundreds of people in the borough of the opportunity to swim and keep fit. This council does not want to listen to what the majority has to say, the councillors should be ashamed of themselves. We shall continue to fight for a new baths in Coseley."

Heavy duty machinery moved in on Monday afternoon but did not start work on the baths until this morning.

Dudley Council's cabinet member for property Councillor Adrian Turner said he expected major demolition to be completed 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."

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