Axe falls on baths after public fight

Coseley's swimming baths will close by August after councillors rejected pleas to save the centre.

Protesters have branded the decision a "devastating blow" and say it will rip the heart out of the town.

Residents and swimmers packed a meeting of Dudley Council's cabinet last night to hear the axe fall on the centre, which needs £2 million improvements.

Some also staged a demonstration on the steps of Dudley Council House before the meeting.

The decision to go ahead with the closure plan was met by jeers from nearly 30 campaigners.

Dudley Council has opted to close the site on health and safety grounds after a report said the roof would have to be replaced by August.

Officers also believe the opening of a £15 million leisure centre in Bilston will eventually take trade away from Coseley.

But the reasons outlined to the meeting were met with cries of disbelief from members of the public.

Coseley councillor Susan Ridney said: "Where are the people of Coseley supposed to go once the centre closes?

"Do we not want to see someone from Coseley on a winning rostrum in the future?"

Cabinet member for leisure Councillor Karen Shakespeare said putting forward the closure option gave her no pleasure but investment in the site was not viable.