Hartlepool Borough Council decided to shut the Rossmere Way baths after a health and safety report showed repairs costing �450,000 were necessary.

Safety and financial constraints mean it will now be demolished.

The town's mayor, Stuart Drummond, said officials had tried to source the money from elsewhere, but were unsuccessful.

The decision to close the pool was taken a few days before Christmas, based on a health and safety report.

Mr Drummond said: "To be quite honest, we were shocked by the outcome of the report.

'Piecemeal repairs'

"We knew it was in disrepair, but we didn't realise it was that bad.

"I informally asked officials to scour everywhere to see if there was any money we could possibly do anything with, but I didn't hold out much hope."

The figure was disputed by local councillor Mick Johnson, who said piecemeal repairs could have been made rather than closure.

Mr Johnson said: "It does need some money spending on it, but Stuart Drummond could make an investment in the facility over time if he wanted to.

"What I would really like is for some dedicated learner facilities to be found, it is important to the swimming education of young children."

Pupils from the schools using the pool will now have to travel to the Mill House Leisure Centre in the town.