Potentially deadly bacteria was discovered at a care home three months before residents were told, care home bosses admitted today.

The owners of Danbury Gardens care home apologised to the 60 residents, saying they should have told people sooner about the discovery of the Legionella bacteria.

No-one was ill as a result, but relatives of those who live there yesterday confronted bosses to complain about the lack of communication.

Some residents had complained of stomach bugs, but their illnesses were found to be unrelated to the outbreak.

Polly Spary was very concerned when her mother, Myrtle Boulting, 87, complained of being unwell for a number of weeks.

She said: "I'm satisfied the home has done all it can and that the situation is under control.

"However, I'm not pleased as I feel like I was fobbed off for months until they finally admitted what was going on.

"It's very concerning that my mother and other residents were not told until three weeks ago."

Isabel Marley, 63, who lives at the home, said: "I was very worried and I'm not too happy they waited so long before telling us."

A litmus test carried out in the Humberstone home's water system, in September, showed no signs of the bacteria.

However, the following month's test flagged up problems, meaning some residents potentially could have been exposed during the period in between.

The building is run by Hanover Housing Association, although Leicester City Council is responsible for residents' care.

Claire Anderson, spokeswoman for extra care and services for Hanover, said: "We acknowledge there were communication issues and we're desperately sorry for that. We take the welfare of our patients very seriously and have carried out numerous tests. We took every possible step we could to ensure everything was done correctly."

People were offered the chance to move out but declined.

Residents were also advised by Leicester City Council and Hanover to see a GP but the visits were not made compulsory after advice from the Health Protection Agency.

MP Keith Vaz said: "I was very concerned when I heard there was legionella and a number of residents had become ill.

"I welcome what has been done and the way Hanover have admitted their mistakes."

Anti-legionella shower heads have been fitted and the water supplies are being tested weekly following advice from the Health Protection Agency, Leicester City Council and a number of other experts.