Farm reopens after E.coli fears

The farm was closed due to concerns over E.coli

An open farm closed at the weekend amid concerns over E.coli has reopened.

Five people who tested positive for the infection in recent weeks had visited or had an association with the Streamvale farm outside Belfast.

It closed voluntarily as it emerged 90 pupils and staff at three primary schools were to be tested for the bug.

Streamvale's owners said they carried out an extensive cleaning programme and the farm was then inspected by the Health and Safety Executive.

Judith Morrow, one of the owners, said: "We are delighted to reopen this morning following the positive outcome of the HSE inspection.

"It's 'business as usual' again after this short voluntary closure and we look forward to welcoming visitors, old and new, through the doors to enjoy all our favourite attractions."

It was closed after a P1 pupil at Rosetta Primary School who visited it was found to be carrying the bug.

Pupils at it and two other south Belfast schools recently took part in an excursion to the open farm.

The other pupils are from Cregagh and Holy Rosary primaries.

In recent weeks 14 cases of the bug have been confirmed.

While no source has been positively identified, five of the 14 cases either went to the farm or were associated with it shortly before being tested positive, according to the EHSSB.