Lydney, December 12, 2024 – Lydney Town Football Club has provided an update to the league on the significant challenges it faces following unprecedented storm damage in recent weeks. The club, which has been a cornerstone of the community since recommencing play on the Recreation Ground in 1990, is grappling with the aftermath of Storm Bert and Storm Darragh.
Unprecedented Flooding Shakes Club to Its Core
Storm Bert, described as the most devastating weather event in the club’s history on the ground, brought unprecedented flooding to the town. Floodwaters engulfed the pitch under 4-5 feet of water and breached the clubhouse for the first time ever, leaving several inches of water inside despite preventative sandbag measures. The club took to social media to show the extent of the flooding by taking to the flooded field for what can only be described as water football. Rumour has it that the Olympic committee have been in talks with the club, after the pictures and videos went viral all over the world.
The impact has been felt far beyond the football ground. The flooding was the worst in Lydney since 1968, prompting the closure of the town’s main road due to safety concerns over the bridge crossing the River Lyd. This road is still closed at present. The bridge has now been deemed unsafe for the foreseeable future, with the club providing alternate travel guidance for visiting teams and officials.
Extensive Damage to Facilities and Equipment
The knock-on effects of the flooding have been extensive. The club has confirmed the loss of vital groundskeeping equipment, including its ride-on mower, tractor, hand mowers, strimmers, and line marker, all deemed unusable. While insurance claims are underway, uncertainty remains about the extent of reimbursement.
The clubhouse has also suffered significant damage. Floodwaters caused the shower pumps to fail—requiring immediate replacement—and left mud and silt throughout the facility. Although the clubhouse has been restored to basic operational status, assessments have revealed further issues. Flooring, skirting boards, and the bar’s lower shelving all require replacement.
Community Spirit Powers Recovery Efforts
Despite the adversity, the club’s players and volunteers have rallied together. Through hard work, they have cleaned the stands, seating areas, and hard-standing surfaces around the ground. Inside the clubhouse, sweeping, pumping, and dehumidifying efforts have temporarily stabilized the facility.
Planning for the Future
Looking ahead, the club anticipates further disruption. With approval pending from insurers, necessary repairs could render the clubhouse out of action in early 2025. This will affect hospitality provisions for visiting teams and officials, and the club is exploring temporary solutions. However they are in contact with the league on these subjects.
The timing of repairs is another challenge, with seven home fixtures scheduled between December 21 and January 21. Any work will need to accommodate this busy schedule to minimise disruption.
Continued Updates to Follow
As the Christmas season approaches, the club does not anticipate major changes before the end of the year. However, it is committed to keeping the league informed of developments, including timescales and any implications for compliance with league requirements.
Lydney Town Football Club remains resilient and determined to overcome this setback, with the support of its community and players driving recovery efforts forward. We urge all to get behind a fellow club at its time of need, any support that can be given would be of huge help to the club.
