Bug deaths water was 'untreated'

The outbreak was traced to an air conditioning unit at Forum 28

An air conditioning unit at the centre of a fatal legionnaires' disease outbreak had not been maintained for more than a year, an inquest has heard.

Seven people died in 2002 after an alley outside the Forum 28 arts complex in Barrow, Cumbria, was showered with water droplets containing the bacteria.

Barrow Council, which runs Forum 28, and contractors Interserve said the chemical treatment was not carried out.

The inquest opened on Monday at Furness Magistrates' Court.

On Monday, the coroner heard how a string of contractors had been responsible for air conditioning at the arts centre.

'Breeding ground'

When Interserve took over in 2001, there was no formal contract, and there was confusion over who was responsible for treating the system.

Without the required chemicals, the water became a breeding ground for legionnella bacteria.

Consultant in health protection, Dr Nick Gent, said that those who died did so as a result of contracting legionnaires' disease.

Gillian Beckingham was convicted of health and safety breaches

They were Richard Macauley, 89, Wendy Milburn, 56, Georgina Sommerville, 54, Harriet Low, 74, Elizabeth Dixon, 80, June Miles, 56, and Christina Merewood, 55.

A further 180 people were infected.

Barrow Council was later cleared of corporate manslaughter following the deaths, but fined £125,000 for breaching health and safety laws.

The council's then design services manager, Gillian Beckingham, was convicted of health and safety breaches, but cleared of manslaughter.

Ms Beckingham will not be appearing at the inquest, expected to last for about a week, because of poor health.