Tragedy pool set for refit

The pool where teenager Shane Owoo met his death is set to get a makeover to improve safety and encourage more Black Country people to use it.

Regeneration bosses who are working on the site say that they will also seal off the access point off Farm Barn Close in Bilston, which the 16-year-old used to reach Baileys Pool, also known as The Lunt Pool, where he died.

News of the changes for the Wolverhampton site come as officials announce a £75,000 revamp for nearby Rocket Pool.

John Goalby, from the Bilston East Partnership, said: "Everything is still in the very early stages but we have had some preliminary discussions with the Environment Agency.

"We want to make it a safer, greener and cleaner place to be.

"We want the people who already use the pool to be able to enjoy it more and to do so safely as well as encourage a greater leisure use for the site."

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Ann Nightingale has led the calls for the pool access off Farm Barn Close, which the 16-year-old used to reach the Lunt Pool, to be shut, as she says it is too close to the water's edge.

Those behind the scheme say it will be closed but a decision is yet to be taken.

Mrs Nightingale said: "It is fantastic news that the access is going to be shut, there are plenty of others. It is also nice to hear that it is going to be spruced up."

Work is also about to start on improvements at the Rocket Pool in Bradley where in 2004, 16-year-old Jason Mansell died after plunging into the pool while trying to save 14-year-old friend Luke Pattison.

New path works are set to be installed along with an upgrade to the fence including new panels. Fishing pegs are being installed to give fishermen better access.

Three men are due to stand trial in April accused of the killing of Shane, who was allegedly attacked at the scene.

Christopher Lewis, aged 22, from east Wolverhampton, Marvin Walker, 21, of no fixed address, and Tobias Davies, 21, of Frost Street, Ettingshall, all deny manslaughter.

The trial is due to begin on April 2 at Birmingham Crown Court.