An air-conditioning system at a council-run arts complex called Forum 28 is the focus of the investigation into the Legionnaires' outbreak in Barrow-in Furness.

The air-con plant was closed down on Thursday after a leading borough councillor noticed that it was emitting steam into an alleyway used as a shortcut by thousands of shoppers to the town's main bus stops.

Forum 28 is the biggest venue in Barrow-in-Furness and includes a 500-seat theatre and a cafe - and is also used for wedding receptions and lectures.

Last Monday, it reportedly held 200 football supporters for a meeting about the future of the local club.

Forum 28 is a popular venue for functions

Public health officials believe that for nearly a month, the air vent had been emitting steam containing bacterium into the alleyway.

Hundreds of people could have been exposed to infection because the alley is used by shoppers to reach the town's main bus stops.

Tests are also being carried out on other council buildings as a precautionary measure.

Investigators are studying maintenance records related to the Forum 28 cooling system, for answers to how it happened.

Civic leaders say the town is "anxious"

Professor John Ashton, regional director of public health, said: "Looking at the maintenance and servicing of the plant, it identifies the fact that for a long time the environmental health side of things has tended not to be as strong as it should be."

Asked directly if there had been a discrepancy maintaining facilities at Forum 28, he said: "There may be an issue there."

Not everyone who walked past the vent and inhaled the steam would have contracted the disease.

Council leader Terry Waiting said: "I've walked down there myself on a number of occasions every day and so have a lot of other people.

"Not everybody will be infected because it's a chance thing. The drop has to be at just the right size and the right temperature."