The sports hall floor at de Stafford Sports Centre in Caterham has had restricted use since February due to a dangerous dip appearing in the floor presenting a health and safety hazard. The dip is the result of a design fault when the building was first constructed in 1998. The scree that should have been 5cms thick was only 3cms thick which means the whole floor will have to be replaced, costing £70,000. The warranty for the work has now expired and although Tandridge Leisure run the facility, de Stafford School are responsible for its maintenance and are therefore liable for the repair costs. Headteacher of de Stafford School, Mrs Caroline Longhurst, said: "The school does not have enough money to fund the repairs to the floor. Any money we receive has to be spent internally leaving nothing for the sports centre. The situation is hugely frustrating. I have every sympathy for the users of the sports hall and we are making every effort to resolve the problem. However, raising the funds is proving hugely problematic."

Mark Symons, Managing Director of Tandridge Leisure, said: "The sports hall floor needs to be replaced and it is the responsibility of de Stafford School to ensure this happens. We are currently working in partnership with the school to provide alternative methods of payment to resolve this issue as soon as possible. This has included Tandridge Leisure making a proposal to fund the works in exchange for increased public use of the hall and pool, which the school is currently considering."

Mrs Longhurst said: "You have to explore every avenue when in a situation like this. One possibility is to seek sponsorship for the new floor from local individuals and businesses, but we are open to any ideas that would help us get the hall up and running again." Keep an eye on The Caterham and District Independent website for updates on the sports hall floor.