THE presence of the bacteria which causes Legionnaires' Disease led to the sudden closure of Blackburn's Daisyfield Pools, the council has revealed.

Two discoveries of legionella bacteria found in hot and cold water supplies in the building were made by an independent laboratory commissioned to test for it in all Blackburn with Darwen Council-owned swimming pools.

The closure of all operations at the independently-run Daisy Lane swimming complex on August 19 caused an outcry of protest and prompted a petition calling for its reopening signed by hundreds of borough residents.

Legionnaires' disease is a lung condition which causes a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, a high temperature and flu-like symptoms.

It can cause serious illness and in exceptionally severe cases can be fatal.

The council said that health and safety concerns in a detailed assessment from an independent swimming pool and water filtration company include:

• two discoveries of legionella bacteria in hot and cold water supplies in the building;

• concerns that showers were being taken out of use, the water heater was being turned off at certain periods and flushing of the water system not being done properly;

• pool testing equipment was in poor condition and unclean therefore would not provide accurate readings;

• the pump which puts chlorine into the main pool was leaking and had been shielded with a plastic bag to prevent chlorine being sprayed on people in the plant room;

• the date on the chemical found at the pool was recorded as July 2017 meaning it would have little effect as its shelf life is six months; and

• historical pool water test sheets were reviewed and many readings were out of acceptable range, particularly in the morning and evenings.

Senior councillors will be presented with the findings of the review and recommendations for next steps at a meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive board meeting on Thursday September 7.

HALF Fish, an independent swimming organisation, took over the day-to-day running of the facility under an asset transfer arrangement in 2016.

Martin Eden, the council's operations director, said: “We have serious concerns about HALF Fish’s management of the pools, and in particular the risk of re-occurrence of legionella.

"With regards to the health and safety of pool users, we had to step in and make the decision to close the pools.

"It would not have been right, or indeed safe, to allow the pools to remain open.

“An independent swimming pool and water filtration company provided the council with audit report on the management of the pool plant.

"On the day of their visit the chlorine levels were found to be unacceptably low in both pools which should have prompted swimming to be suspended and the chlorine levels rectified before the pools were re-opened to the public.

“On the two occasions when legionella bacteria was detected at Daisyfield Pools, council staff stepped in to arrange urgent treatment and follow-up inspections on behalf of HALF Fish.”

Cllr Damian Talbot, the council's health and wellbeing boss said: “We know that closing Daisyfield Pools was not a popular decision, however when in possession of all the facts closure was the only responsible option available to the council.

“The health and safety of pool users, and also HALF Fish staff and volunteers, is of utmost importance, and the decision to close was made to protect them from potential future legionella outbreaks.”

Since the asset transfer in 2016, Blackburn with Darwen Council has spent in excess of £137,000 on repairs and maintenance items.  

HALF Fish has been approached for comment.