Stratford Squash Club returns after Summer 07 floods.
May 2008by Amy Cleeton
The listing was posted by England Squash - West Midlands Area
Stratford Squash Club are making a triumphant comeback after being hit by the floods in Summer 2007. Their two original courts, built many years ago, had to be sunken into the ground to reduce the overall height ~ all down to strict planning permission guidelines. Due to this design, the courts were flooded twice in the past nine years, the most recent being in July 07.
Club Chairman David Petty decided upon a drastic remedy, "This year we said enough is enough! If we wish to survive as a Squash Club we have to take some serious action."
The Club decided to raise the third court, built less than three years ago, to a level which they thought was safe, (by another 600mm) and fitted a new floor ~ this court was successfully re-opened in December 2007. The other two courts have now also been raised far above the highest recorded flood level in Stratford of 1901, and the viewing balcony has now become the entrance into the courts!
The cost of this project is £165,000 of which the Club's insurance company have given £75,000.
This insurance figure was to allow for replacement on a "Like for Like " basis, and while this is not what the Club have done, their insurers allowed the Club to use the money towards their project of putting the courts out reach of any future flooding.
So far the Club have had interest free loans from squash members to the tune of £20,000, a promise of £10,000 from Stratford Town Trust and they are also actively seeking a grant from the Stratford District Council in the order of £15,000. The rest of the money required to fund the project will have to be borrowed from other sources.
England Squash have also made contact with the Club, and are looking to support them to develop strong links with local schools to expand their current junior section.
After nearly ten months Stratford Squash Club are looking forward to the open night on the 16th May 2008, where Dion Dublin will be attending to support their cause.
If you would like more information about Stratford Squash Club then please visit their website.