I was surprised to read your article suggesting the Ropetackle Centre was “troubled” and having to ask Adur Council for a further £10,000 (The Argus, November 24).

Since the building was constructed (by Berkeley Homes in partnership with Seeda) and handed over to the Trust in September 2007 there has been a catalogue of problems, stemming from poor design and construction, the worst problem being the heating/air conditioning system.

Before taking the lease of the centre the Ropetackle Trust insisted the council accepted responsibility for any defects in the construction or installations. The council stands between the Trust and those who designed and built the centre, hence our reliance on the council to have the problems resolved.

Our concerns proved to be well founded, our audiences having had to watch performances in coats and gloves and sometimes in stifling heat.

We battled for more than a year, trying to persuade all concerned (Seeda, Berkeley Homes, the builders, architects, project managers) that there were serious problems.

It was only earlier this year that the council stepped in and agreed to get the problems sorted out. The cost to the council should be recoverable from those who caused the problems although as yet none of them has admitted responsibility for the failings with the heating system.

The council is the main stakeholder, and has provided additional funding to support running costs. This was on the basis that it recognised the Trust had developed a programme that was not only successful, but which was beneficial to the community.

Stemming from this summer’s acclaimed Art Of Science festival, we are also working with Sussex University on an exciting science- related programme. We are not struggling – far from it.

We have a vibrant programme, well-managed finances and a reputation that, after just two years, exceeds anything we could have hoped for.

Martin Allen, Trustee, The Ropetackle Centre, Shoreham