Baths’ historic frontage saved

THE old baths is no more, destined to be a car park for the new sports centre at the rear.

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ROYTON Baths has been reduced to rubble, but its historic decorative stonework will soon return to the area.

The site will be turned into a car park new Royton Leisure Centre, which opened in September.

The baths demolition stopped last month after it was discovered a planning application for the work failed to say the original stonework was to be preserved.

The swimming pool originally opened on March 12, 1910. The baths became Royton Sports Centre in 1993 when a sports hall was added.

Royton South ward councillor Steve Bashforth said: “We have been very clear to the contractors about which stones we want to preserve. All the stones have been photographed and marked by the stonemason so we can account for them.

“We are looking at a few options drawn up by our parks department and will let people know ASAP but it will be in the area around the town hall.”