A BROMSGROVE club, which was devastated after June’s flash flooding, has undergone a quarter-of-a-million pound refurbishment and has officially reopened.

On June 28, when the town was hit by heavy rain and flash flooding, one of the worst hit areas was the A38 island near Morrisons, which became like a river.

Bromsgrove and District Indoor Bowls Club, in nearby Austin Road, was hit as water backed up from blocked drains.

Director Tom Farrar described how a tidal wave of water came towards the club, and there was nothing they could do as the water flooded out the premises.

He said: “I have never seen anything like it.

“It was contaminated water, three inches deep, so everything had to be stripped out.

“We had dryers going for six weeks afterwards to dry the club out.”

The club was closed after the flooding, and a £250,000 refurbishment began.

Mr Farrar explained that £30,000 was put in on top of £220,000, claimed on insurance, as they wanted to improve the facility for when members returned.

The improvements include the extending of the club’s dining room and kitchen, and extra steps added down to the outside bowling green.

The club was official reopened by Bromsgrove’s civic head Janice Boswell on October 16, and members have been impressed by the club’s new-look.

Mr Farrar revealed the National Indoor Bowling Association offered the club the chance to stage an international women’s tournament, which has now been organised for February.

The club, celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, is holding an open day between 10am-4pm this Saturday, October 27, where people will have the chance to see what the facility has to offer.

Mr Farrar said many people think of bowling as an elderly people’s sport, but the club welcomes all ages and holds a training session for youngsters weekly on Sunday mornings.

For more details about the club call 01527 577226, email bromsgrove-indoor-bowls@hotmail.co.uk, or visit bromsgrove-indoor-bowls-club.co.uk.