CREWE baths are closed again and will remain shut until they are safe!

The troubled Flag Lane pool was described as a "time bomb waiting to go off - a disaster waiting to happen" during a heated two and a half hour council debate on Tuesday during which all political parties united in calling for urgent measures to protect the public.

The latest closure followed more fears about the safety of the roof. Last week foam insulation dropped into the pool during a swim session. No one was hurt.

It was the fourth time that material had fallen causing temporary closure of the baths. Last month small pieces of plaster fell from a wall during a swimming lesson. Leaks in the roof and condensation were to blame.

A pane of glass and a glass roof panel have also plummeted into the water and a changing room. Luckily no one has been badly hurt.

Councillors have now ordered a full structural survey on the building to be carried out by independent consultant engineers.

They ruled that there would be no re-opening until the recommended work was completed and public safety assured.

Because Crewe swimmers will be encouraged to go to the Nantwich baths during the closure they will be considering travel and entrance charge concessions.

Opening hours at the Nantwich baths will be extended to cope with the extra use.

Councillors had already earmarked £200,000 for improvements to the Crewe pool and they agreed this should be set aside for use after the full survey reveals the full extent of the work needed.

They will form a small all party group that will be kept informed of the survey findings, the work and progress made.

Leisure chairman Jayne Wright said that urgent action was needed in the interests of public safety and to restore confidence in the council and its services.

The ruling Labour group and council officers were criticised for lack of action in the past.

A series of reports from consultant structural engineers dating from 1994 had highlighted problems with various parts of the building, particularly the suspended ceiling, said Cllr Brian Silvester.

The building was a time bomb and potential disaster and swimmers were at risk. The council was in danger of becoming a laughing stock with the open and shutting of the pool he added.

Some of the council's fiercest critics sat in the public gallery. - a group of pool users who welcomed the full structural survey.

"It's not before time. At last something is being done that isn't piecemeal and jerry-like. Swimmers must feel safe and the public need to have confidence in their leisure facilities. I was glad to see that all of the councillors were in favour of a full survey and closure until safety is assured," said Barry Durken.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.