From the Darlington & Stockton Times of June 17, 1922

SPECTATOR in the D&S Times of 100 years ago was concerned that Northallerton was falling behind the times. “On the whole, Northallerton is well served with health facilities, as the result of which it had, two years ago, the lowest death rate in England,” the columnist wrote.

"It still claims to be one of the healthiest towns in the country, but there appears to be one very crying need, and that is for baths. It can certainly be argued that no place is complete without public baths, and there appears to be little reason why Northallerton should not be able to indulge in such a necessary luxury.”

Spectator had a remarkable suggestion to remedy the want. “The old sewage works would do excellently for the purposes,” the columnist continued.

“The word sewage does not quite harmonise with the idea of baths, but things are not always what they seem, and these old derelict sewage works are apparently well adapted for the present purpose.

“They are nearly 50 yards long by 13 yards wide and with comparatively small alterations a fine swimming bath could be provided.

“The Medical Officer vouches for the fact that the old works would make cleanly baths so people can set their minds at rest on that score.”

Even though the people of Northallerton must have been reassured by the thought that the sewage tanks would be completely clean when they came to bathe in them, we don’t think Spectator’s plan ever left his column inches.