The bacteria which causes the deadly Legionnaire's disease was found at Southend's Civic Centre, it was revealed today.

The Legionella bacteria, which was discovered at Queensway House in Southchurch Road two weeks ago, was also present in the Civic Centre, in Victoria Avenue.

A council spokesperson said: "Moderate levels of Legionella were discovered during a sampling of the hot water system at the Civic Centre. Immediate amber level action was taken to reduce the level of risk, as this was the priority - increasing the temperature and successfully killing off the bacteria.

"Recent results show it is now clear. All staff were made aware of the situation."

As part of the amber level action the water system was spot dosed with chemicals and subjected to increased water temperatures to kill off the bacteria."

Union representative for Unison, Cheryl Hindle, added: "No one was struck down with Legionnaire's but the Civic Centre and Queensway had Legionella in the hot water tanks."

Published Thursday, August 7, 2003

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