COUNCILLORS finally pulled the plug on Warrington's historic Legh Street baths last night (Monday) after deciding to shut the Victorian building.

But users of the pools say they were not properly consulted prior to the decision and they were left dismayed when councillors refused to allow members of the public to ask questions at last night's meeting.

Many question the council's commitment to a providing a replacement.The council's executive board last night ended months of speculation about the baths by choosing to axe them. The facility will close at the end of July under the scheme.

Councillors say they were left with no choice after a combination of spiralling maintenance costs, pricey repair work and slumping attendance numbers forced their hand.

At the meeting they were presented with a stark report from officers that said costs to keep the pool open could top £600,000 during the next year. They did promise that urgent talks were being held to find a new facility.

But even borough council officials have been forced to admit that a quarter of swimmers cannot be relocated to other pools in Warrington under the plan, bringing the future of some of the clubs into question.

More than 100 angry swimmers bombarded the Town Hall to protest against the decision and especially the way the issue has been handled.

They say that the fall in attendances has been brought about by the closure of two pools for repairs and the fact that public Saturday swimming has been unavailable since April.

For a full report and reaction to last night's meeting read Thursday's Guardian.