A Leicestershire rugby club has been devastated by flooding for the second time in a year. Members and supporters have now rallied together to join the clear-up effort as the club is due to play again this weekend.
Syston Rugby Club, in Queniborough, was hit by the muddy floodwater late on Sunday night (January 5), with the water contuinung to flow into Monday morning (January 6). The floods reached the club’s bar and kitchen.
It is the second time in a year the club has been hit by fast-flowing water after the clubhouse was flooded last year. The club had only recently completed repairs on that damage, including the replacement of a section of floor which had been ruined by the water.
READ MORE: Live Leicestershire flooding updates as rescues continue amid ‘danger to life’ warning
The clear-up operation is now underway
(Image: Syston Rugby Club)
Today, (Tuesday, January 7) a member of the club’s management team said the cost of this year’s surge was still to be worked out. Efforts to clear-up the floodwater are now ongoing.
Peter Whitton, one of the club’s vice-presidents, thanked those who had answered the club’s call for help on social media. He said: “We have fantastic people at this club and we’re busy now, getting on with it.
“We will try to save the carpets and the fridges and cookers may need to be replaced. We’re just waiting to find out the full extent of the damage and how much it will all cost. We think we’re going to need to do some fundraising. The club moved to this site in Barkby Road in the 1980s, but last year was the first time we have flooded. There’s nothing we can do to stop nature.
“The water has drained away now but it has left a muddy residue. A lot of people have come down to help us get everything clean and sanitised. It was a great turn-out and everyone has been brilliant. Our first team is playing away this weekend, but we have three teams who are due to play at home. We just have to make sure everything is ok for those matches to go ahead.”
Flood warnings remain in place as people across Leicester and Leicestershire are dealing with flooding or its aftermath. Areas under flood warnings include Zouch Island, Loughborough, Glenfield, Anstey, Thrussington, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Rearsby, Frisby-on-the-Wreake, Rushey Mead, Aylestone, Sharnford, and Whetstone.
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