TAXPAYERS are facing a clean-up bill of up to £18,000 following the potentially lethal legionella bacteria outbreak at Romsey Rapids.

The £5m pool complex was closed for three days in June after routine testing found a high concentration of the bacteria, which can cause legionnaire's disease.

The incident came only weeks after Test Valley Borough Council took over Romsey Rapids and councillors were criticised by Romsey MP Sandra Gidley for the affair because swimmers were not told of the outbreak.

A council report states: "At the end of May we were advised by our specialist water treatment contractor that the legionella bacterium was present in high concentration."

Swimmers continued to visit the centre until it was shut down for three days on June 8.

However, council leader Ian Carr said: "It was all under control and there was no danger to the public."

Tomorrow councillors will be asked to release £18,000 to pay for the cleaning.

Terry Gilmore, head of technical services (leisure), said: "It's been spent on pipework and valves, mixers and various other things. After the installation was done we had samples taken and it was completely clear.

"I am anticipating that it might come in under £18,000, I have seen a quote for just under £17,000 but we haven't got all the invoices in yet."