Staffordshire Moorlands based SAS Water Ltd supported youth football charity Ladsandads to ensure water safety at popular changing facilities.

The legionella and waterborne bacteria specialists worked with Staffordshire Ladsandads when the charity took on responsibilities at the Birchenwood facility, which has 11 football pitches.

Now the Birchenwood pavilion is being used as part of the UK effort to roll out Covid-19 vaccinations, having been loaned to the NHS.

Lizzie Ward, Managing Director of SAS Water, based in East Street, Leek, said: “When Staffordshire Ladsandads took on responsibility for the Birchenwood sports ground, Chairman, Clive Dean, asked for advice on legionella control. The pavilion has changing rooms, a kitchen, showers, toilets and a tuck shop. It’s a brilliant community facility.

“In the initial phase of work, the Ladsandads needed support with maintenance of the water system and a risk assessment was also needed. Then, when Covid-19 hit, we helped by decommissioning the water system.

“Sadly, there’s been no football so far in 2021, due to Covid-19 lockdown. Matches ceased when Staffordshire entered “Tier 4” in November 2020 and the national lockdown followed in December, however, Clive and his team were asked whether the pavilion could become a coronavirus vaccination centre and they were very happy to help.

This meant that we got a call to recommission the pavilion’s water system before it was used by the NHS. We were, of course, delighted to be able to help.”

Lizzie said that the Ladsandads had now become regular customers with SAS Water carrying out regular, vital safety routines, sampling and analysing the building’s water.

Clive said: “SAS Water were quick to respond to our request for legionella safety work. Their advice was helpful and they laid out what we needed to do in an easy to understand manner. They are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable and they do business with a smile.”