A LIVERPOOL City Council statement said: “The water supply in all council buildings is checked annually. Those buildings which may be susceptible to Legionella (where there is stagnant water because it is not run through the system) receive more frequent checks.ŠThe disused building at Holt Hall fell in the latter category.

“On July 29 inspection of the water in a tank at the disused building revealed that it contained Legionella. The tank was drained. Ten samples were taken from the water supply in other parts of the buildings and no further traces of Legionella was found. We acted in accordance with the relevant legislation.

“Holt Hall was due to be fully closed as part of the modernisation programme for day care, although no date had been fixed for its closure. Although the water samples in the used part of the building were clear, it was felt that givenŠ the condition of the site and that its service users are vulnerable people, its closure should be brought forward. While the risk was minimal it was felt safety first was the best approach.

“The 29 remaining service users, their families and carers were told about this decision by staff. On August 8 they were given the opportunity to visit the Speke Resource Centre.

“This produced a very positive response and they moved on August 11. We are confident that the service users and their carers have welcomed the move Šand there have been no complaints about the way this situation was handled.

“We believe that this issue has been managed properly and that there was no immediate risk to the service users and staff.”