The Grade II listed King's Meadows swimming baths were yesterday destroyed in a mystery arson attack. Campaigners have fought for many years to keep the structure, one of the last of its kind, preserved as a public building. However, like the fomer listed brewery which also was destroyed in a mysterious fire, the King's Meadows pool is now thought to be beyond economic repair and will be sold to developers.

"This is terrible news," laughed a Council spokesman. "The King's Meadows pool was much loved by all in the town, I can only hope that the hotel and marina complex that will be built to replace it for the benefit of rich yacht owners will be of some comfort to the residents of Reading."

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