Latest on County Hall closure after discovery of legionella bacteria

Kieran Williams

26 June 2024 at 11:00 am·1-min read

Update on County Hall closure from legionella outbreak

STAFF remain working at home as Worcestershire County Council's headquarters remain closed after the discovery of legionella bacteria.

The County Hall offices in Spetchley Road, Worcester, have been closed since Friday after confirmation bacteria which can lead to Legionnaire's disease was detected in the building's water supply.

The council is continuing to investigate the cause of the bacteria.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said: "More investigations are currently taking place with relevant specialists."

Some services at County Hall continue to take place such as the registration of births, marriages and deaths which cannot be delayed or completed remotely.

Weddings have been allowed to continue but guests are not allowed to use the toilets.

The county council spokesperson said: "The Registration Service remains open for priority appointments that are unable to be rearranged.

"This area is safe - it has separate access, a separate plant room and control measures are in place to ensure safety."

While the registry office has been able to stay open, Lakeview Café is also currently closed.

Staff were only allowed on-site to collect important items on the day the offices closed.

They have been asked to work from home or at an alternative venue until the outbreak has been cleared and, due to the ongoing research into the outbreak, the Council are unable to give a timeframe for a return to the building.

Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease, a lung infection that causes flu-like symptoms, and is caused by inhaling water droplets.

County Hall has faced structural issues in the last 12 months with a part closed to the public.

In September 2023, Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was found in the building, forcing areas to be closed off and staff moved.

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