THE number of sickness bug cases linked to a Newport pool has doubled, health officials say.

A further seven people have had Cryptosporidiosis clinically diagnosed directly linked to the outbreak associated with Newport Centre’s pool. This brings the total number to 14.

Forty-four cases of the bug have now been diagnosed across Gwent since the middle of August, including the 14 linked to the pool, which was closed on September 6.

It remains closed and an investigation is being carried out on its operating system, including its filtration works, and the council says it will not reopen until the authority is sure it is safe to do so.

Sheila Davies, Newport City Council 's corporate director for regeneration and the environment said the health protection of the public was of paramount importance.

She said: "The pool will remain closed until we are 100 per cent satisfied that everything is in order and the risk to those using the facility is minimal.

"Newport City council would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused."