A VETERAN footballer has labelled changing facilities at a sports centre a health risk because of their appalling condition.

John Hughes, 66, plays five-a-side with a group of pals every Sunday at Harwich Sports Centre and believes the locker rooms are not fit for purpose.

Speaking on behalf of the group he said: “We play football to stay healthy and help stave off obesity but when it comes to changing I guess our health is at risk.

“Besides being filthy, god knows when the last time they were properly cleaned, there are broken benches, paint flaking off the ceiling and lights not working."

The sports centre is jointly run by Tendring Council and Harwich and Dovercourt High School and the Council’s member for sports facilities Paul Honeywood said they are looking at making improvements to the changing rooms.

“We have quotes in place and funding allocated for this work and just need to agree with the school when this can go ahead,” he said.

“We have identified that we need to spend some money on this facility and we are hoping to progress this in the near future.”