A long-standing cricket club has issued an emergency appeal after it was forced to carry out urgent repair work to its clubhouse.
The 40-year-old wood and brick-built clubhouse at Shrewsbury Cricket Club, on London Road, had fallen so badly into disrepair that water was running into the interior causing damage and posing a risk of flood and fire.
Bosses at the club were forced to act quickly because there was a danger that if water leaked onto exposed wiring and caused a fire it would invalidate the insurance.
Around 220 ‘emergency appeal’ letters were sent out last week to life members, vice presidents, members and supporters to ask for direct help in meeting the cost of the work – which is thought to be about £4,000.
Most of the roof repair work has now been completed by a local builder with fascia and guttering also replaced, but the club has been left out of pocket by the extra cost.
Members say they have already received some generous support but still have two thirds of the way to go to meet the total cost.
Andy Barnard, club chairman, said: “The situation was so bad that it was a case of getting the work done immediately because it could have invalidated the insurance. The felting had split so badly that water was getting in and could have caused a fire if it had got onto any wiring.
“So we had to dig deep into the coffers but the amount needed fell well outside the amount we budgeted for and now we are asking directly for financial help from anyone associated with the club.
“We needed to resolve the problem quickly because the clubhouse is vital for the sustainability of the club and we rely on the money raised from the bar and hiring and letting out the premises to keep the club running.”
In the letter to members Mr Barnard warned that without the clubhouse Shrewsbury Cricket Club would lose the ability to function and support the nine junior teams and five adult league teams it currently has.
To help the club with a donation contact 01743 363655 or email info@shrewsburycricketclub.co.uk
By David Seadon