Legionella source needs more investigation

3:12pm Saturday 21st June 2008

Comments (10)   Have your say »

A LEISURE centre is still not safe for use three weeks after traces of bacteria which can cause Legionnaires' disease were found in the water supply.

Legionella Pneumophilia was found during a routine test at the Ladywell Leisure Centre on May 29.

It was closed as a precaution and the water system was thoroughly disinfected but a low level of the bacteria remains.

Assessments by an independent specialist show that the cause could be related to the building's age and the structure of the plumbing.

The centre, in Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, will remain closed while more tests are carried out.

A Lewisham Council spokesman said: "Although we know this is inconvenient - and we greatly regret the centre has been closed - we hope everyone will understand this work is vital.

"The safeguards we have in place mean the risk to the public is minimal but the centre must remain closed until the council, Lewisham's Primary Care Trust and the Health Protection Agency are all completely satisfied the centre is safe for use.

"Since the centre was due to close in July for unrelated repair work, we will try to ensure this work takes place at the same time."

Dr Rachel Heathcock, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at South East London Health Protection Unit, said: "We are working closely with Lewisham Council to advise them on appropriate measures to address the problem.

"The risk to the public is likely to be low."

The symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include a 'flu-like' illness with muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever, leading on to pneumonia.