Quit call over legionella deaths

Seven people died after being exposed to the bacteria

Familes of those who died during an outbreak of Legionnaire's Disease in Cumbria are handing in a petition calling for a council boss to resign.

Seven people died in the 2002 outbreak in Barrow, which was traced to a council-run arts centre.

A council employee was subsequently found not guilty of manslaughter but fined along with Barrow Council for health and safety breaches.

Relatives claim council chief executive Tom Campbell failed in his duties.

Almost 3,000 people have signed the petition, which was organised by Sandra Harris, the daughter of Mary Lowe who died.

I have a great deal of admiration for the managerial skills of Tom Campbell Barrow Council leader Bill Joughin

At least 200 others were taken ill in the August 2002 outbreak, which was eventually traced to the Forum 28 arts centre in Barrow.

Ms Harris said: "The families have all stuck together and we have had a very good response to the petition.

"I think that Tom Campbell should be man enough to resign.

"An apology would mean something and would perhaps show that there is somebody in there who cares."

Relatives also want a memorial to those who died.

Mr Campbell has accepted that health and safety procedures in the council at the time fell short of what was required.

But he has said he wants to stay in post to see through improvements.

'Good work'

Council leader Bill Joughin said the petition would be considered by councillors later this month, but that he felt Mr Campbell should keep his job.

He said: "I have a great deal of admiration for the managerial skills of Tom Campbell, he has done some good work in this town."

He said it was his "personal view" that Mr Campbell should stay in post.

Mr Joughin apologised to those affected by the tragedy and said every effort would be made to ensure a similar incident would never occur again.

Before the petition is handed in, relatives will lay a wreath outside Forum 28.

Those were died were Richard Macauley, 88; Wendy Milburn, 56; Georgina Somerville, 54; Harriet Low, 74; Christine Merewood, 55; Elizabeth Dixon, 80; and June Miles 56.