IT could be some time before council chiefs decide whether to press charges against a food outlet at the centre of an E.coli alert, say environmental health managers.

The Ribble Valley outlet is thought to be the source of three of six cases which caused a major health scare last month.

East Lancashire Health Authority said today there had been no more cases and no further developments.

A spokesman added the outbreak was now subject to a major review of all the evidence gathered and the question of charges being brought would be a matter for Ribble Valley council to decide.

A council health spokesman said an outbreak control team meeting was held yesterday and all the evidence relating to the cases would be looked at very carefully before any decisions were made.

He added that it was not certain whether the matter would be subject to a report to councillors.

He added: "Officers dealing with the case have been working very hard."

East Lancashire Health Authority has refused to name the food outlet concerned, because the matter is still ongoing and no decision had been taken to press charges.

Health watchdogs have called for identification of the premises in the public interest.

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