It's the end of the road for Coseley baths

Every picture tells a story – and for residents in Coseley, these images chronicle the heartbreaking end of their beloved swimming baths.

Campaigners who failed in their bid to save the pool are vowing there will be a twist in the tail of the saga as they turn the page to a new chapter in their struggle.

A sign remains advising swimmers to use the car park at the back of a building which now lies in ruins.

Demolition has taken just seven working days from the milestone moment when a huge claw arm smashed through the back of the pool in Pear Tree Lane, marking the beginning of the end for the baths which have stood since 1963.

A gaping hole was exposed within minutes.The machinery made light work of the building's brick walls but work to remove huge steel girders supporting its suspect roof proved more painstaking.Residents filmed as the building gradually disappeared from back to front.

There was sadness as the slide which generations of children had hurtled excitedly down was ripped down; then the viewing platform where proud parents had congregated for swimming galas down the decades was dismantled.Workers hit a snag when a hydraulic hose was put out of action but the project remained on schedule.

The last bits of the building had been torn down by yesterday morning.

Residents who have fought under the banner of the Save Coseley Baths campaign were today gathering near the flattened baths for a solemn ceremony to mark the loss of a landmark.

Campaign spokesman Brian Guest said today: "This is a sad day, not only for the people of Coseley but for all swimming lovers in the borough.

"Dudley Council is depriving hundreds of people of the chance to swim and it is an absolute disgrace.

"It would appear the health and fitness of residents is not a priority for this council."