Rebuild faces cash hitch

10:13am Wednesday 25th June 2008

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THE rebuilding of the clubhouse at Stourport Sports Club following a devastating arson attack last year faces a £36,000 stumbling block.

Wyre Forest District Council cabinet members will consider tomorrow whether to recommend approval of a cash grant needed by the Kingsway-based club if the rebuild is to go ahead.

The money would cover the cost of relocating storage facilities and garages that were previously part of the main clubhouse.

Officials at the club fear those facilities were the main cause of the rapid spread of fire within the building last December.

The problem they face is that the relocation is classed as an improvement to the original design and is not covered by insurance.

The rebuild costs exceed the sum insured by a total of £61,000 but £25,000 can be recovered by compromising over some of the “betterments”.

Andrew Dickens, head of property and operational services, warned that the rebuild faced delay or the contract collapsing if the club did not receive the money.

He explained that the grant would be refunded by the club should it qualify for aid from elsewhere.

Stourport Sports Club is a not for profit company, owned by Wyre Forest District Council, Worcestershire County Council, Stourport High School, Stourport Hockey Club and Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club.

The original clubhouse was built using a £1.8 million lottery grant and included changing rooms, a lounge bar and storage areas.

The cabinet will consider the proposal at 6pm in the Earl Baldwin Suite, Duke House, Clensmore Street, Kidderminster.