Wolverhampton Council puts Spin before Swim

4.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 12th Dec 2007

Claire Darke, Swimming campaigner

Wolverhampton's Labour-run Council claimed earlier this year to be too strapped for cash to save Compton Baths but seems able to spend over £2.5million on publicity. "Surely this is a case of putting spin before swim?" said Claire Darke, Compton Baths campaigner and Liberal Democrat candidate for Park Ward in next May's local elections.

Claire Darke was one of the organiser's behind a 2,500 name petition which called on the Council not to close the Baths earlier this year. She continued by saying "The revelation of the how much the Council spends on publicity just shows their real agenda is about telling people things are good rather than ensuring they are."

Liberal Democrat Councillor Robin Lawrence who put a motion to the Council to save Compton Baths in support of the campaign said "The £2.6 million spent on promotions shows the Labour Party's mistaken priorities? We could see so many real improvements to our City if we this money was put to good use rather than wasted on Labour spin."