THE 'Public Baths' sign on the former St James Pool in Taunton has been removed from the outside of the building today (Tuesday).

It was winched down onto the back of a lorry and will be taken away for safekeeping before reappearing some time next year.

Somerset County Gazette:

Two other blocks commemorating the building 88 years ago were also taken down.

They will be installed in new buidings going up on the site as part of the Coal Orchard development.

Somerset County Gazette:

Internal view of the old pool

The multi-million scheme will see shops, offices, homes, restuarants and a gym built on the site of the pool, which closed in July 2016, and the car park behind.

Demolition work started inside the old pool earlier this month and the core of the building is due to come down early next month.

Somerset County Gazette:

Inside the former St James Pool

Construction work on the Coal Orchard site is then set to commence next February.