A civic airport made a loss of nearly £100,000 last year due to poor weather and the fuel crisis.

Managers of Shoreham airport's accounts have warned a stringent crackdown on spending might have to be made if the complex is faced with a similar deficit this year.

A report being considered by joint airport partner Worthing Borough Council tomorrow revealed in 2000/01 the deficit was £99,880, which was blamed on the worst weather in 100 years for limiting flights.

But the fuel crisis was also a factor because it stopped customers driving to the airport.

Brighton and Hove City Council has the controlling interest in the airport, which in the past has been dubbed a private flying club financed by the taxpayer.

The report warns that the city council and the borough council might have to contribute funds in future because the amount of cash held in reserve is now so low.

The report concludes: "If there is another year with such bad weather, the airport would need to implement stringent expenditure restraint measures to avoid another deficit of this magnitude."