COUNCIL bosses have released a statement confirming County Hall was closed after legionella, the bacteria that causes legionnaires' disease, was found in the water.

As previously reported, County Hall, where Worcestershire County Council is based, is closed today after the bacteria was found. County Hall is also where births, marriages and deaths are registered.

Entry into the building was strictly controlled as council bosses say the closure was enforced as a precautionary measure.

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Paul Robinson, chief executive of Worcestershire County Council, said: “County Hall Offices which includes the Lakeview Café are closed today after sampling has returned a detection of legionella in parts of the water system.

"As a precautionary measure, I have instructed staff to work from home or from an alternative venue, while further investigations take place."

"The impact on council services is minimal. Weddings and ceremonies will continue as planned as control measures have been put into place and all non urgent appointments will be rearranged."