Country house closes over fear of bacteria in water

One of Derbyshire's most famous stately homes has closed over fears its water supply could be contaminated.

Kedleston Hall temporarily closed to visitors on Tuesday.

The National Trust, which runs the 18th Century mansion house, said it closed the site "as a precaution" after a routine check found there could be bacteria in its water.

A reopening date is yet to be confirmed while the trust investigates further.

The property dates back to 1765 and was built as a rival to Chatsworth House, also in Derbyshire.

It was built by Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Baron Scarsdale, to innovative designs by the young Robert Adam, and was intended to pay homage to ancient Greece and Rome.

A spokesperson for the charity said results from further sampling would take "a few days", with the site to remain closed until further notice.

The spokesperson said: "Following the latest routine check, an initial report has indicated there may be bacteria in our water supply.

"As a precaution, we have closed the site to visitors while we investigate fully.

"We are having further sampling done and will open once we are assured our water supply meets the standard for drinking water."

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: "This is not connected to Severn Trent.

"We understand an issue at Kedleston Hall is being investigated and we've offered our support. There are no issues on our network."

A spokesperson at Amber Valley Borough Council said: "The National Trust are keeping us informed of their investigation progress and we will assist them in ensuring their legal obligations are met."

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