A troubled West Sussex theatre has suffered another blow after the fire brigade deemed its seats a hazard.

The Windmill Complex in Littlehampton, which already faces a £500,000 bill for repairs despite a subsidy, has been told it must replace its seating at a cost of between £40,000 and £80,000.

A brigade inspector branded the tiered seating a fire risk and said alternative flat seating had to be installed to obtain fire certificate.

Residents trying to save the theatre turned out in force earlier this week at a public meeting to discuss the complex's future.

Arun District Council, which owns the centre, is investigating alternative management methods.

The public meeting was organised by Jackie Mallinson, of Littlehampton Musical Comedy Society. She said more than 100 people attended.

Mrs Mallinson said: "We have set up a steering group of local groups and we will start a poster campaign and canvass support to raise people's awareness of the Windmill.

"We are also going to investigate the finances and find out about the legal side.

"The green where the complex stands was bequeathed to us and we are sure the council has moral obligations that a community facility remains there."

A report about the complex's long-term future is being drawn up to be discussed by Arun district councillors in the next couple of months.

Approaches have already been made to Littlehampton Town Council about running the complex and more approaches could be made to groups such as commercial cinema companies.