Raymond Davies, from Melksham, had originally been diagnosed with leukaemia in 2000 and told it was a non-life threatening form of cancer and treatable.

His condition deteriorated and in September, he was diagnosed with legionella pneumonia. Mr Davies then suffered a toe infection which led to amputation and infections continued until his death in March 2006.

Their lawyer, Michael Berrett, who specialises in medical negligence cases, believes the Hospital may have been slow in responding to previous cases where Legionnaires' disease had been identified.

"This is not the first time the RUH has faced charges such as this," he said. "The Health and Safety Executive has been involved in investigating the source of Legionella pneumonia. Traces of legionella were found in a tap but the relevant water sample has been lost."

Mr Davies was well known in Melksham and after working as a director of a local supermarket for more than 20 years he started his own florist business in Bank Street, 'Flowers in Focus' which he ran for eight years.

For further information contact Michael Berrett on 01235 771234 or michael.berrett@clmlaw.co.uk