Baths prove tough nut to crack

Campaigners in Coseley fought frantically to save their beloved baths – and now the building is biting back against the bulldozer.

A hydraulic hose on the machine was damaged and engineers had to be called in. Contractors Coleman & Co say work is running ahead of schedule despite yesterday's snag.Around two thirds of the pool in Pear Tree Lane has been demolished and heavy machinery is expected to move off site early next week.

Dudley Council closed the baths last August after a surveyor's report stated the roof needed £1million to make it safe while the building required £1m repairs to bring it up to scratch.

However, chairman of the Coseley Civic Trust John Wilkes, said:"The building Dudley Council was saying would fall apart in no time is so strong it's breaking the machines which are trying to take it down."