Hereford MP Paul Keetch is emphasising that Bulmers' products are safe to drink following the discovery of Legionella at the site.

Mr Keetch is in daily contact with both the health authorities and Bulmers and visited the Plough Lane site last Thursday to offer his support to staff.

"Bulmers is an important part of the community," he said, "and from all I have seen everyone working to remedy this situation, is doing a tremendous job."

"I know that Bulmers has been co-operating fully with everything that has been asked of them. I would like to repeat the advice that it is perfectly safe to drink Bulmers' cider."

Mr Keetch also believes it is important for health authorities all over the country to have co-ordinated plans for tackling such an outbreak.

"I hope that Hereford's experience can help other parts of the country which have to deal with similar circumstances," he added.