Council chiefs today vowed to make Oxford's swimming baths safer following the outbreak of bacteria in pool water.

They want to ensure serious diseases are not allowed to fester in pools because the chlorine levels are too low.

Their announcement came as an investigation continued into how swimmers contracted cryptosporidium, a germ found in water which leads to diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and abdominal pain, at Temple Cowley Pool.

Three emergency helplines have been set up for victims of the bug and the pool will remain closed for the foreseeable future after high levels of the bacteria, caused by human faeces, were recorded. Richard Atherton, assistant environmental health officer for Oxford City Council, said: "The situation is that the Cryptosporidium outbreak is just purely coincidental with the routine tests that were carried out.

"The results indicate that there was insufficient chlorine in the pool at the time."

Cryptosporidium can only be eradicated by thoroughly cleaning the entire pool area and filtering the water. Council head of leisure Jon Bolton said they would replace the pool's filtration system, designed to kills such germs, at a cost of up to £25,000.

Checks on chlorine doses will also be carefully monitored in case levels were too low as a proportion to the number of people using the water in recent weeks. While higher levels could not have prevented the Cryptosporidium outbreak, other diseases that chlorine should kill can survive if the chlorine level is too low. Mr Bolton said: "Bathers introduce all kinds of pollutants into the pool all the time. Cryptosporidium is a cyst and the way to remove it is by filtration. As I understand it there is a filter which is much finer that can potentially clear contamination from the pool. If we have got to replace the filter we are talking £20,000-£25,000 plus the lost income."

The pool was shut down last week and the health authority has since found 27 people who are suffering with Cryptosporidium. At least 15 of the victims live in the city and nine of those swam in Temple Cowley in the past few weeks.

Pregnant Caroline Barron is one of many parents anxious for their children's health after she swam at Temple Cowley.

Mrs Barron, 32, of Binswood Avenue, Headington Quarry, Oxford, said she was at the swimming pool last Tuesday shortly before it was closed.

She said: "I have not been feeling ill but I am 12 weeks pregnant and I am sick with worry. I am being so careful about what I eat generally so I am worried about swallowing that pool water. I am not so concerned for me but for the baby and I just want to put my mind at rest." The helpline numbers are 01865 252561 or 01865 252420 to call the city council. People living in Oxford and Banbury can also call the NHS Direct phoneline on 0845 4647. People in other areas should call the city council only.

Story date: Tuesday 02 November

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