TENS of thousands of pounds are believed to be needed for major repairs to the roof of The Herons leisure centre, as squash players have again hit out over continued problems.

For the second time this year, players have complained that on some occasions after heavy rain, two of the three courts at the four-and-a-half year-old Waverley-owned centre are out of action and dangerous.

"I use the courts four times a week but they are often out of action and you can see buckets catching the drips," said Robin Crow.

"I have been rung up an hour before I have been due to play to be told the floor is slippery and dangerous," said Mr Crow.

"It's ludicrous. Most recently Waverley repaired the water damage to the floor and as soon as it rained the roof leaked again. It's not just the inconvenience, it's a waste of public money," declared Mr Crow.

He queried whether there could be a design fault in the roof

Mr Crow, who is one of around 30 squash players affected by the problem, is now so fed up he is looking for somewhere else to play.

"I am a member of the gym and with my wife pay £60 a month, but that doesn't include the squash courts."

He said that the problem also affected aerobics sessions at The Herons.

"I cannot believe the level of incompetence and expense," he added.

"It just goes on and on, Waverley regularly spends money on repairs to the floors and roof, but it is still leaking," said an angry Ted Ayling who is also a regular squash player at The Herons.

Bren O'Neill, who manages the centre for DC Leisure, which is in partnership with Waverley, confirmed that there were problems with the roof.

He admitted that on occasions they had to cancel court bookings within hours if it rained heavily.

He said that players were then offered a free court booking, the costs of which were funded by DCL and Waverley.

Secret negotiations over who will finally foot the bill for the massive £1.2 million overspend and maintenance problems at the beleaguered Herons are still ongoing.

A final decision is supposed to be made by the end of the year.

It is believed that among the costs incurred since the centre opened in 1998 are painting and redecoration of water-damaged areas, making good water leaks in the showers and other areas and replacing an area of the roof and flooring.

But on Tuesday night at the meeting of Waverley executive committee, matters relating to the roof works and The Herons settlements remained secret and were heard behind closed doors.

A spokesman for Waverley said on Wednesday that Waverley had gone out to tender for the roof repairs and were "anticipating signing a contract shortly with a review to repair work starting in the new year.

"All other issues are still exempt," said the spokesman.