30 June 2011 Last updated at 12:27 ET

Legionella bug found at Silksworth ski slope

The complex is being closed as "a precaution"

Sunderland's dry ski slope has been temporarily closed after the discovery of the legionella bug.

It was among higher than normal levels of bacteria found at the Silksworth Sports Complex during routine monitoring of its water system.

The bug can lead to Legionnaires' disease, a potentially fatal form of pneumonia.

Sunderland Council said the complex was being closed as a precaution and would reopen after remedial work.

It said in a statement: "Legionella bacteria are widely found in natural water sources, ponds, lakes etc and it is not unusual to find low levels in the water systems of buildings, particularly older buildings.

"Routine tests recently carried out at Silksworth Ski Complex showed an increase above accepted levels of bacteria including Legionella.

"The complex has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure, and will reopen as soon as remedial work to restore the water supply to its normal levels is complete."