Nuneaton squash club devastated by flood damage

A squash club manager said seeing the damage caused to the venue by flooding has been "heartbreaking".

Cleaver Squash and Fitness in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was among properties affected by flooding across the West Midlands last week.

An online fundraising page has raised more than £9,000 to help with repairs.

Luke Jones, who has owned and run the club for 20 years, said the amount of damage done was "devastating" and has completely destroyed its courts.

Homes and businesses across the West Midlands were hit by flooding due to heavy rainfall before and during Storm Henk last week.

At the squash club, damage has been done to its four courts, the changing rooms, downstairs flooring, viewing area and foyer.

Mr Jones said the family-owned venue was flooded 12 years ago, but was covered by insurance. He has been unable to secure insurance for future flood damage since.

Though mitigation measures have been put in to increase drainage, he said "the sheer amount of surface water that arrived, it wasn't capable to take it away".

He said despite working through the night to try and keep water out, they "couldn't keep up with the amount of water coming in" with more than four inches (10cm) of water making its way into the club.

"The problem is as soon as the courts get wet, we knew they were completely destroyed anyway," he said.

"You didn't think it would ever happen again, it has just been absolutely devastating."

After the flood water receded on Friday, Mr Jones said, staff were able to get into the club and start removing the damaged flooring.

He sent thanks to local businesses, England Squash and the club's members, who he said were like "family", for their support after the flood.

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