The death knell has been sounded for the Sansome Walk swimming pool in Worcester.

Councillors on Worcester City’s planning committee gave unanimous approval to knock down the building, which has been empty since December 16.

And what a job it’s going to be.

While the contract for the job is still out to tender, demolition experts have until June 8 to bid for the work.

Ian Forrester, property assets manager for the city council said: “We have to consider not just the asbestos and the fact that there are two large holes that need filling - but there are party walls with residents, some neighbours have parking rights on the site, there’s a public right of way across the site, and the one-way system makes it hard for demolition traffic to get on site.”

Mr Forrester said there will be parking for contractors and those residents who have rights only - and the public path will have to be closed at some time, but will be kept open as long as possible.

He added: “We don’t know what the planning decision will be for whatever goes on the site, but we will be filling in the old pool and new pool with subsoil so it can be built on. We have to make sure that doesn’t disrupt neighbours - the party wall is just with their gardens rather than buildings which makes it easier.”

He said there are different ways of removing asbestos adding: “It’s not unusual in buildings from the 1970s, and we’ve always managed it. We’ve had a demolition survey which says it’s present but you can’t alway know where until you go into the void in the walls.

“There are ways now where you can flush the asbestos out with water before you tear the building down. We’ll be looking at all the tenders soon, and picking the best one, but we’ll make sure there’s no danger to the public.”

The city council had promised to keep nearby residents fully informed on the work.

The Worcester branch of the YMCA hopes to build homes for 76 people on the site.