A nursery has been fined after record breaking amounts of E. coli was found in its water supply.

On November 8, 2017 Epping Forest District Council served Derek Fawcett with a notice demanding that he improve the water quality at Eastside Nursery in Nazeing.

Inspectors had found water used to wash, cook and clean with contained the highest amount of E. coli and Enterococci ever encountered by the council.

The bacteria are commonly associated with animal and human waste, and can cause a range of symptoms including vomiting, loss of appetite and, in rare cases, death.

After a notice and subsequent time extension to fix the problem were missed earlier this year, Mr Fawcett was taken to Chelmsford Magistrates Court and fined £583 and ordered to pay £500 towards the council's costs for negligence.

Councillor Nigel Avey, cabinet member responsible for the environment, said: “The council has a duty to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents.

"It is disappointing that we had to take this case to prosecution rather than the work being undertaken during the notice period.

"There are a large number of private water supplies in the district.

"I would like to thank the Magistrates Court for supporting the Council.

"No one wants anyone to become ill through poor water and I hope this case sends out a clear message to all owners of private water supplies on the importance of ensuring they keep those supplies clean, fit and healthy for human consumption.”

After a different contractor was hired by Mr Fawcett on May 14, the work was completed to a substantial standard.