A row has broken out over the funding of a multi-million pound sports centre in Mid Sussex which has been branded a burden to council taxpayers.

Mid Sussex district councillors will discuss the fortunes of the Dolphin Leisure Centre in Haywards Heath tomorrow night.

The facility had £2.3 million spent on it during a recent revamp and the council dipped into its reserves to meet the cost.

Extra income generated by the refurbishment and extension was due to pay the bill.

But Lib Dem councillor Ken Blanshard has tabled a question, saying the centre is making a loss and council taxpayers will bear the brunt of the costs.

He said: "I'm demanding further information following the receipt of a detailed breakdown of profit and loss figures relating to the Dolphin extension.

"This year's budget promises a £526,000 annual repayment to the reserve, but when I looked at the figures it shows the repayment is being simply added on to the budget requirement - and therefore council tax bills."

When Mid Sussex set an 8.9 per cent council tax rise in March, Coun Blanshard challenged the figures and asked for a breakdown of income and expenditure.

He said the figures showed an increased deficit of £76,198 in the first quarter.

Coun Blanshard said: "On the face of officer figures, if this continues we are looking at an increased deficit of £305,000 per annum."

He added: "Far from being an "innovatively funded" project, it appears to be a money-pit for the council taxpayer."

Council chief executive Bill Hatton said the costs Coun Blanshard had seen took into account extra money needed for staff during the extension work last year.

He said: "The £70,000 is a book transfer for staff allocation costs so it's not something that will be spent every year."

He said it was still too early in the year to see what profit would be made overall.

He said: "The £526,000 has been budgeted for and will be paid back to reserve funds. Income will be up and I'm confident we will meet the amount set out."

The refurbishment included a new gym, a leisure and fitness shop, improved creche facilities and a new conference and meeting room.