CONCERNS are growing over the state of a disused former swimming baths which has fallen into disrepair.

Elvet Baths, off Old Elvet, Durham, has stood empty since being replaced by the £12.3m Freeman’s Quay leisure centre in July 2008.

It was due to be demolished under Banks Developments and Esh Group’s plans to build homes, offices and a restaurant at Elvet Waterside; but the scheme fell victim to the recession.

Now recent photographs taken inside the building have emerged, revealing its poor condition.

The images show rubbish and traffic cones littering the former swimming pool, graffiti daubed on walls, windows smashed and walls and doors deteriorating.

The photos have been posted on an Internet chat forum. In response, one correspondent said the building had been "trashed", while another said it was a disgrace.

Dr Douglas Pocock, honorary secretary of the City of Durham Trust conservation group, said: "Although the building is unlisted, the authority (Durham County Council) has a duty to make it safe from vandals.

"It is just possible that a future developer for Elvet Waterside might wish to retain the structure and convert it to some other use."

Chris Rolle, head of asset management at Durham County Council, said: "Many people will have learned to swim in the old Elvet Baths and will, I am sure, be saddened to see that it has fallen victim to graffiti and vandalism.

"To prevent that, we have removed old fire escape ladders from the building, boarded over ground floor windows and reaffixed the metal grills to the rear windows. Having agreed access to the (Durham) University car park, the remaining high level windows will be boarded over in early July."

Mr Rolle added the council was seeking opportunities to bring the "prime riverside site" back into use and a meeting to reassess its future was planned for later this month.

A spokesman for Banks Developments said the building was the council’s responsibility. He added the status of the firm’s Elvet Waterside plans was unchanged since the scheme’s withdrawal, in February.

Elvet Baths was officially opened in September 1932.