‘Deadly bug’ find forces pool to close

ASWIMMING pool has been forced to close after Legionella was found for a second time.

Traces of the potentially-deadly bacteria have been discovered in the male showers at Castleton baths on Manchester Road after routine tests. Legionella can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a pneumonia-like lung infection which can cause fever and flu-like symptoms and can, in extreme cases, be fatal.

The baths are expected to be closed until at least Christmas.

It comes after the pool was shut for three weeks in May after similar tests discovered the bacteria in the heating system.

Andrea Fallon, Rochdale council’s director of public health and wellbeing, said: “Castleton Pool has been closed as a precautionary measure after routine testing found low levels of Legionella bacteria in the male showers. ●●Andrea Fallon, director of public health (inset), said they had been assured the risk of Legionnaire’s disease to Castleton Swimming Pool users is low

“Pools users have been informed and we are now supporting Link4Life, who run the site, while the problem is rectified.

“It is expected that the pool will re-open after the festive break.

“Public Health England have been informed as a further precautionary measure and we have been assured that the risk of Legionnaire’s disease to pool users is low.

“However, we are advising users of the pool to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease and contact their GP or NHS 111 should they have any concerns about their health.

“Since a previous incident in May this year, a full disinfection has been undertaken and various control measures have been increased including routine testing and daily flushing of all water outlets.

“These actions are in line with Public Health England’s recommended practice and have minimised the already small risk of pool users becoming ill.

“The plumbing system will be assessed to determine if repairs are necessary to prevent any future issues.”

John Matson, head of sport and leisure for Link4Life, the body which runs leisure centres in Rochdale, added: “Castleton swimming pool is closed to the public until further notice while investigation works are undertaken.

“This closure will likely continue until Christmas at the earliest.

“Castleton swimming pool users have started using other swimming pools in the borough.

“Link4Life are working to accommodate as many Castleton Swimming Pool users as possible within the existing pool programmes at other sites.”