Cash problems have further delayed a major refurbishment programme at Newent Leisure Centre.

However, hopes are high that the partnership project will get off the ground this year, after a series of false starts.

Forest of Dean District Coun-cil had hoped that Gloucester-shire Country Council would share the estimated £250,000 cost of upgrading the current cramped, open changing rooms and fitness suite, and putting in extra showers.

The district council had originally hoped to have the finance in place and work finished by the end of this winter.

The county council has since said that it cannot supply any money towards the project, because of existing financial commitments.

But as payment in kind, the county has just committed itself to being the project manager, a move that will bring down the overall costs.

Andy Barge, the district's leisure services manager, said: "That will save on fees and one of the first things we need to do is to draw up a schedule of works.

"I hope that we can make a start this year, but until that schedule has been drawn up, it is hard to say when."

Mr Barge said the existing changing areas were very small and there was a need for some cubicles and extra showers at the centre, on the Newent Community School site in Watery Lane.

He said: "It's basic. At present, there is only one shower for each changing room."

The need to find significant funding has always dogged the project.

In April 2003, the National Lottery turned down a £200,000 bid for funding, forcing the district council to reduce the scale of the scheme and draw the county council in as a project partner.