Coseley swimming pool gas leak: Neighbours shocked
NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock at a chlorine gas leak at a Midland swimming baths which left 30 people needing hospital treatment.
West Midlands Ambulance Service, police and firefighters were called to Coseley Swimming Pool, in Pear Tree Lane, Bilston, at 1.10pm on Wednesday.
Nearly 50 people, aged between eight and 26, were treated by specialists from the ambulance service’s Hazardous Area Response Team as the pool was evacuated.
Casualties complaining of watery eyes, difficulty in breathing and throat and nose irritation were taken to New Cross, Sandwell and Russells Hall hospitals.
Dudley Council recently earmarked the baths for permanent closure this summer because it said it could not afford a £2 million-plus repairs bill, but residents have mounted a last-ditch rearguard action to try to have the decision reversed.
Joe Clark, 69, who lives in Wallbrook Street opposite the baths, said his wife Christine, 58, had taken blankets out to help shivering children who had been led out onto the street in their swimming costumes.
