A WIRRAL swimming pool which closed suddenly last year is moving a step closer to re-opening.

This week the council’s ruling cabinet is expected to approve plans which should lead to a group of local businessmen taking over Byrne Avenue Baths in New Ferry.

Byrne Avenue Community Trust (BACT) has been negotiating with the local authority since last year, preparing documentation on the plans.

Members hope to raise some £750,000 to carry out repairs to the baths, although one of those leading the bid, John Fenna, said the structure of the building is fine and most works needed are inside.

Mr Fenna said the process had been frustrating at times but he remains determined to see it through as he believes there is a strong demand.

He added: “After 18 months, I’m not going to give up now. There will be nothing better than when we can stand there and cut the ribbon and say to the local community now you can have your baths back.”

A report to Wirral Council’s cabinet outlines four options for the Byrne Avenue Baths site, which include selling it for social housing, sale of the building on the open market, demolishing the building and selling the land, or continuing with the transfer to BACT.

The report recommends the cabinet give BACT more time to prepare more detailed documentation to allow the transfer process to continue.