Worthing's troubled Aquarena swimming pool, which is earmarked for urgent replacement, is running up massive losses.

Officials have revealed the Aquarena in Brighton Road is likely to lose £208,000 this year.

The borough council is currently raising cash to replace the complex but so far only a fraction of the millions of pounds needed has been secured.

Now it has been told losses first estimated at £93,000 are likely to more than double by next April.

Duncan Anderson, the council's general manager of leisure facilities, said: "The anticipated trading deficit for the Aquarena was originally £93,520.

"In September it was reported the deficit was likely to increase by a further £92,650 to £186,170 but further work has now been undertaken by officers and the figure is now £208,380.

"Clearly the position is not encouraging and financial control has been difficult as a result of prolonged and frequent staff sickness.

"The number of people swimming does show a significant downturn. This is partly explained by the exceptional summer which resulted in people using the beaches and other open-air sites rather than going indoors.

"It is also undoubtedly true the building is now looking its age and that is having an impact."

The opening of modern pools in neighbouring towns had also resulted in customers going elsewhere.

Money had been set aside to improve the look of the complex, which opened more than 35-years-ago, but this was only a temporary fix.

Mr Anderson said raising prices might only make the problems worse, with even fewer people using the facility.

The council is selling plots of land with the proceeds being ring-fenced to pay for a new Aquarena, probably with eight lanes and 25m long, eight metres smaller than now.

Critics say the new complex should be at least 33m and preferably 50m, which is Olympic-sized, with a fun area.