08 February 2015 - PENSIONER DIES FROM LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE IN SOCIAL HOUSING FLATS

An investigation has been launched following the death of a Cockermouth pensioner from suspected Legionnaires’ disease.

William Hind, 83, known as Billy, lived at Bridge End Court, Wakefield Road. He died on Sunday at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven.

The. 38-flat complex, for over-55s, is owned by social landlord Home Group.

Allerdale council’s environmental health team and Public Health England have carried out tests at the flats and other sites to identify if there is Legionella bacteria present. Experts are waiting for test results.

A spokesman for Public Health England declined to name the other sites being examined, but said the testing was in line with national guidelines.

Home Group said it had co-operated with public health investigators and had appointed its own independent experts to test for the bacteria. It added that its own tests had ruled out Bridge End Court as the source.