A SPA shut down after an outbreak of the potentially fatal legionella infection is on the rental market.

As reported in the Daily Echo, 14 people who visited Healax Salt Caves and Spa at 2 Wonderholme Parade, Kinson, fell ill in the summer of last year.

Officials from Public Health England, BCP Council and Public Health Dorset swiftly moved to shut down the business.

In total, nine people were treated in hospital.

A further 39 people who visited the spa also reported symptoms of infection, but did not have legionella confirmed by laboratory tests.

Clients who visited the spa between June 1 and 18 were also contacted with advice.

Paul Wetton, who lives in Bournemouth, visited the business on June 16 last year with his wife.

He said: "The conditions in the spa were terrible and rather than improve our health we both developed chest infections and I became very ill.

"I should have known something was wrong when I saw it was next to an off-licence and a chippy.

"When you walked in there was this strong smell, it smelt of urine and damp."

Now the building which housed the spa is being listed for rent at £1,250 per month.

Agents from Ellis and Partners say the unit, a double-fronted shop with a main sales area, kitchenette and two parking spaces, has recently been refurbished.

It is available on a new lease at a rental of £15,000 per annum.

Legionella, the species of bacteria that can cause legionnaires' disease and pontiac fever, is widely distributed in the environment and can live in all types of water systems including natural sources, such as rivers and streams.

It can also survive in inadequately maintained artificial water sources, such as spa pools.