Hundreds of swim-mers who rely on a sub-urban pool in need of a major facelift were today assured that the 80-year-old baths will be saved from closure.
Birmingham's new leisure chief Coun John Alden has pledged that money will be found to repair Harborne swimming pool despite rumours that it was to shut down.
"Harborne is the next priority after Moseley Road swimming baths and funding will be found as soon as possible for it," said Coun Alden.
"Across the city £150 million has to be found to make good the lack of maintenance at 20 sports venues over the past 18 years."
The assurance comes hard on the heels of the city's announcement that it has drawn up plans to build a £6 million Olympic-sized pool in Birmingham.
Two months ago members of the Harborne Society accused the city council of misleading people over the future of Harborne baths and warned that it could close within months.
Deteriorated Phil Stokes, society secretary, claimed that the pool's original tank, built in 1923, had deteriorated so much that water was penetrating through and degrading the metal reinforced concrete.
In response the council said in August that a condition survey would be started "in the next two weeks" but so far nothing has happened.
