Thieves and vandals are driving a lido and sports complex out of business in their search for cash and firewood.

Burglars have broken into the Saltdean Lido in Rodmell Avenue three times in two weeks. Each time, they took just a handful of coins from the cash register.

Almost every weekend, vandals tear down the fence surrounding the complex to make bonfires on the beach and the lido has to pay hundreds to replace the panels.

The complex is still recovering from the cost of a flood which left the swimming pool full of muddy rainwater and waterlogged the gym.

An insurance claim has been submitted for the gym damage but it could lead to higher premiums.

Manager Tony Sarin said: "The amount of vandalism has become ridiculous. "We are going to go out of business at this rate.

"Every two weeks, we lose ten fence panels and that's been going on for about six months. We're not allowed to replace it with a metal fence - it has to be the same material - so it keeps happening.

"It takes time to replace because we have to get people in to do it, so there are times when there are big gaps in the fence.

"If somebody falls in and drowns out of hours I won't be held responsible."

Mr Sarin is calling on parents to find out whether their children were having bonfires on the beach and, if so, where they got the firewood from.

He said: "I would just like to ask people living nearby to be more vigilant and to call the police if they see people in the Lido after 7pm."

The lido complex, built in 1935, is owned by Brighton and Hove City Council but run by a private company.

It was used as a water tank by the National Fire Service College during the Second World War and did not open again until 1961 when it was taken over by Brighton Council. It was rescued from closure in the Nineties when a pub was built next door.

It now provides a space for the Saltdean Community Association and voluntary organisations and the gym is the only part of the complex that makes a profit.

"We are supporting the community but we need its help to stay afloat," said Mr Sarin.

Tina Gander, chairwoman of the Saltdean Community Association, said: "We had an incident two weeks ago when a number of windows were smashed but we haven't had anything since then.

"They have had a hell of a lot of vandalism at the lido though. It breaks your heart because they work so hard to keep the place going."

The burglaries took place overnight on Friday, June 24, Monday, June 27, and Friday, July 1. All cash is now taken off the premises every evening.

Dennis Audley, owner of the Lido's lease, said: "With the burglaries and the fencing, I am spending about £1,000 a week repairing vandalism, which is ludicrous."

He said the complex is losing between £30,000 and £40,000 every year and his firm is in danger of running out of cash.