Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC) has confirmed that work has started to demolish Coseley Swimming Pool in Bilston, West Midlands, after it was deemed too costly to keep open.

Birmingham-based contractor Coleman and Company has been appointed to carry out the three-month demolition and site clearance scheme, which is now underway at the Pear Tree Lane facility. The first phase of work will see asbestos, doors and windows removed and services, such as gas and water disconnected. Demolition of the pool itself, which closed in August 2009, is scheduled to start at the end of the month.

An ecologist working in partnership with Natural England is also set to work with DMBC and the contractor to ensure a bat colony is safely removed from the pool site. DMBC cabinet member for culture and leisure, David Stanley, said: "Taking the decision to close and demolish a facility such as Coseley is never an easy one to reach.

"Unfortunately, keeping the building open is no longer viable and while Coseley swimming pool has served local people and indeed the borough well over the years, public safety is paramount."