Ambitious plans are being drawn up for a £16 million revamp of Worthing's ailing leisure facilities.

Leading Worthing councillor Tim Dice warned today: "If we don't do anything about our leisure facilities soon they are going to fall to pieces."

The plans centre on private leisure operators investing £16 million in a new leisure centre and two swimming pools.

One would be built next to the leisure centre in Shaftesbury Avenue and the other would replace the Aquarena in Brighton Road.

In return, the council would pay the operators to run the facilities for the next three decades.

The cost could be reduced by the sale of Hill Barn and Brooklands golf courses to a private company.

Coun Dice, executive member for leisure and cultural services, said: "This is an ideal opportunity to get new facilities fit for the 21st Century."

The Aquarena is closed for work on a major leak and is not expected to reopen until next month.

Coun Dice said a new pool could be constructed alongside the old one to ensure the town was not left without swimming facilities.

He also pledged a children's paddling pool would be included in any scheme.

There is growing concern about the condition of the leisure centre.

It would be reconstructed, complete with a swimming pool paid for by developers planning to build hundreds of new homes at West Durrington.

Worthing Harriers Athletics Club might have to find a new base.

Coun Dice said the next step was to attract private leisure operators, with work earmarked to start in about two years, subject to council approval.

Councillors have also ordered a review of funding for the town's theatres. Coun Dice said no decisions had been taken.