Showers shut for safety

Bacteria that can cause legionnaire’s disease has been found in shower pipes at a school.

High levels of legionella were found in the pipes in two shower areas in the PE block of the Dukeries College, on Whinney Lane, Ollerton.

The college shares a joint water feed with the adjoining Dukeries Leisure Centre’s showers.

The showers in the school PE block were closed immediately on Monday and school swimming lessons were cancelled.

The showers in the leisure centre were closed as a precaution but reopened on Wednesday after tests revealed they were clear.

Alternative facilities were provided during the closure of the changing rooms.

Services at the leisure centre were unaffected.

Legionnaire’s disease is an uncommon form of pneumonia.

People become infected when they inhale legionella bacteria that have been released into the air from a contaminated source.

The bacteria can live in all types of water including natural sources such as rivers and streams, and artificial sources such as water towers associated with cooling systems, hot and cold water systems and spa pools.

They only become a risk to health when conditions allow the bacteria to grow rapidly.

A spokesman for the county council said: “The whole of the system will now be sterilised, retested and then put back into operation once the all-clear is given.

“Nobody has been injured or taken ill.

“The college and the county council are working to sterilise the system and re-open the PE block.

“The health and safety of pupils, staff and those who use the facilities is the topmost priority.”

A spokesman for the Dukeries College said: “The health and safety of students, staff and the community is of the utmost importance.

“We have reacted quickly to put in place all of the relevant measures to rectify the situation.

“We are confident that the facilities will be given the all-clear and will be fully operational as soon as possible.”