Legionella bug at leisure centre

A Leicestershire leisure centre has been closed following the discovery of the legionella bacterium.

The bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires' disease, was found at Hinckley Leisure Centre.

Samples of the bacteria have been sent away for analysis. A decision on when the centre can reopen is to be made on Thursday afternoon.

A council spokesperson said the centre was closed while thorough cleaning and testing procedures took place.

'Isolated incident'

He said: "The safety of our customers is paramount and all steps are being taken to reopen the centre as soon as it is safe to do so.

"Both SLM [the firm which runs the centre] and the council would like to apologise for any inconvenience this isolated incident may cause."

Legionella bacterium has the potential to cause Legionnaires' disease, a fatal form of pneumonia.

The disease is caught by inhaling droplets of water, suspended in the air, which contain the bacteria.

Most people who are exposed to it do not become ill, and it is not spread from person to person.