Centre closes after bacteria find

A leisure centre in Derbyshire has been closed after a visitor contracted Legionnaires' disease.

Minute traces of Legionella bacteria were found in two shower heads and a sink at Creswell Leisure Centre, which will shut at least until 12 October.

Staff will thoroughly clean the building and super-chlorinate the water system to ensure there is no problem.

Head of leisure of Bolsover District Council Steven Singleton said closing the centre was a precautionary step.

'Low levels'

"The bacteria count is still (at a) very, very low level," he said.

"It's actually at a level where we're not required to take any action but we thought that because we found these trace elements that we ought to close the centre."

Tests were carried out after a man became ill and environmental health officers discovered as part of a follow-up check that he regularly visited the centre.

Further tests are now being carried out there and the facilities will reopen when the all-clear is given.

Mr Singleton said the man had undergone hospital treatment and was recovering well.

Legionnaires' disease can prove fatal and can lead to pneumonia.