THE Malvhina water feature on Belle Vue island is to remain switched off while the source of E Coli contamination is traced.

The water spout was switched off after regular testing revealed high levels of the bacteria.

The water feature, which was installed in 1998, is a popular spot for members of the public to collect Malvern spring water.

Paul Sobczyk, Malvern Hills District Council's head of client services, said health risks were minimal because water was treated and filtered, but levels of contamination would mean frequent changing of the filters.

"We don't want the expense of changing filters on a regular basis; we would rather trace the source of contamination and deal with it there."

The spout is fed from springs on the side of Worcestershire Beacon, channelled into tanks above the town centre.

Mr Sobczyk's team has been using old maps to trace the tanks.

"We are waiting for the latest test results to come in," he said, "If they are clear, it could indicate the contamination is a summer phenomenon and it could be back on quite soon."