A SCHOOL hit by an E coli outbreak has reopened after 17 days.

Hayes Primary School, in south east London, was closed while the Health Protection Agency investigated the outbreak's source and intensive cleaning took place.

The cleaning has now finished and most of the staff and pupils were allowed back to the site in George Lane, Hayes, on Monday.

They went back to assemblies about hand washing by the school's headteacher, Tony Hayes.

Mr Hayes said: "Soap dispensers are in every toilet and pupils have to wash their hands before eating and when they have been outside.

"We're taking something positive from a very difficult time which will hopefully stay with them forever."

Mr Hayes added: "We are absolutely delighted to be back at the school and I would like to say the support of the parents has made the whole thing bearable."

The 40 people confirmed to have the potentially-fatal E coli 0157 bug will not be allowed to return to school until they test negative for the infection.

Two cases of E coli 0157 have been confirmed at Parklands Nursery, Coney Hall Recreation Grounds, Church Drive, Coney Hall, which will be closed until the site has been thoroughly cleaned.

One of the patients from the nursery is connected to a Hayes Primary School pupil.

The source of the outbreak has not been found.

Dr Nimal Premaratne, from the South East London Health Protection Unit, said: "We are continuing to try and identify the source of these infections.

"In the meantime control measures, including closing the school and nursery while they are cleaned, has reduced the possibility of person-to-person transmission."

A Bromley Council spokesman said: "We are grateful to parents, children and staff for their co-operation and patience during what has been a difficult time."

Anyone who wants more information about E coli can call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.