HASLINGDEN Baths has closed its doors for the final time.

Campaigners have expressed sadness over the closure of the 1930s pool, which comes after Rossendale Council bosses decided to pull its £137,000-a-year funding.

Sue Ives, who was chairman of the Friends of Haslingden Baths group, said Sunday’s closure marked the end of an era, but said there was still hope of raising funds for a new pool.

She said: “It is very sad, but we will continue looking for funding for a new pool and there is funding available.

“The Leisure Trust can accommodate the over-50s at Marl Pits, in Rawtenstall, but they can’t accommodate all the swimming lessons.

“There are a lot of people still in the lurch.

“A lot who should have had their swimming lessons re-booked have gone elsewhere to Ramsbottom, or Blackburn, or private pools.”

Staff at the baths threw a farewell party on Sunday for all the children who regularly attended. Duty manager Gail Kenyon said: “It was a very sad day for us all. We will all be moving on to Marl Pits, but we are gutted to be leaving the baths.”