MANY sports pavilions on Sheppey are below standard for the 21st century, it has been claimed. Users of changing facilities, such as local sports leagues, have complained about their condition.

Ex-England soccer star Trevor Brooking, chairman of Sport England, commented on the problem during a visit to the area in the summer of last year. As a result, Swale Council's executive panel has agreed to set aside funding for refurbishment in next year's budget. Exactly how much it will commit has not yet been agreed.

Iain Fleming, secretary/manager of the British Queen team, said: "I have played football in the region for 11 years and I have to say the facilities are atrocious. There are two or three clubs which have decent facilities, normally sports clubs, but the majority of them don't even have anywhere to get changed. At this time of the year, when it can get pretty cold, that is very bad."

Denmaur Playa manager Adam Ryan said: "They are poor. I don't think the pitches are particularly well maintained and the facilities are not sufficient. The argument could go that it's only Sunday league football but some better facilities would be very much appreciated. Improvements are needed."

The executive was told at its lastest meeting that substantial refurbishment or replacement was needed to ensure sports pavilions could continue to be used. Routine and reactive maintenance work has been carried out on some facilities in the past two years to keep them open, and regular condition checks have been made.

At Seager Road sports ground, Sheerness, the building is considered "heavily dilapidated" and has reached the end of its life. The top storey is unused, following a report from the Fire Service, which said a lot of work would be needed to bring it up to fire safety standards.

Also, Festival playing field's building in New Road, Sheerness, needs replacing, said the council's parks and open spaces officer, Graeme Tuff.