The roof of a County Durham football team’s clubhouse was blown off and onto the pitch by Storm Arwen.
Chester le Street Town issued a plea for help on Saturday morning as staff arrived to see the clubhouse roof and other debris covering their football field.
A red alert weather warning was issued on Friday before Storm Arwen’s gale-force winds hit the UK.
Club chairman Joe Burlison said in a Facebook post: “As a whole club we are absolutely devastated.
“We’re currently trying our best to make our ground as safe as possible, but we urgently need help.”
The Northern League Division 2 team asked for volunteers to come forward and help clean up the grounds, requesting they bring saws to cut through the metal roof.
Burlison was unsure of when the clubhouse would reopen and commented that there are various issues needing resolved first.
He said: “We have got to speak to insurers. At the minute we need companies’ help make the clubhouse water-tight.
“The whole roof come off in one big section and it’s mangled.
“We have a fixture next Saturday and we will have to see the damage to the pitch.”
Chester le Street Town is playing away from home on Saturday, but will return to a home fixture against Redcar Town on 4 December. It’s currently unconfirmed if the game is able to proceed.
Tranmere Rovers also had to postpone its game against Stevenage on Saturday as its grounds were damaged by the storm and deemed unsafe.
Part of the main stand’s roof was blown off alongside roof signage and guttering, and an inspection is needed before repairs can proceed.
Tranmere Rovers said in a statement: “Whilst this is a big disappointment, the safety of fans is, of course, everyone’s primary concern.”
The fixture will be rescheduled for a later date.
Additional reporting by Press Association
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3E1XSj3
Post a Comment