Bridport FC clean up after River Brit bursts its banks

The club’s Beehive social club was inundated with around eight inches of water after heavy rain fell across west Dorset earlier this week and the River Brit burst its banks. 

Meanwhile, the St Mary's Field pitch was completely submerged under two feet of water and to make matters worse, it is currently unplayable due to freezing conditions.

Fortunately, with help from local businesses and a team of volunteers the club have been able to get the clubhouse water free.

Volunteers came to help clear the flood water which was up to 8 inches deep (Image: Adrian Scadding)

The clubhouse has been cleaned up

Bridport FC chairman Adrian Scadding said: “The clubhouse is pretty much clear.

“Most of it is all cleaned up now. We have had 10 volunteers come to help pump out the water and clear out the cellar.

"They have been cleaning the floor and we are getting some dehumidifiers in.

“It pretty much escaped everything, it was about 6-8 inches with a sealed floor, so it cleaned up well.

“All the local people have clubbed together. Fowler Tool Hire provided the wet vax and AJ Supplies gave us cleaning products like the sanitisers and we thank them for that.”

The bar's cellar was also flooded when the River Brit burst it's banks (Image: Adrian Scadding)

The cellar was hit by flooding and has been cleaned up 

Whilst there appears to be no lasting damage to the building and equipment inside, the flooding will have a financial impact on the club due to a loss of revenue from functions.

Mr Scadding added: “We had to cancel every function this week. The Bridport skittle league plays here every night, and we cancelled them and a function at the weekend. It has affected us, but we always make it through.

“It’s just a loss of earnings and time.”

Two feet of water covered the pitch after the River Brit burst its banks (Image: Adrian Scadding)

The River Brit burst unleashing water across St Mary's Field 

This weekend’s home game against Elburton Villa is also under threat, which again will impact the club financially, from a loss of gate receipts and other matchday revenue streams such as food and drink.

several inches of water remain on the pitch and parts have been frozen (Image: Adrian Scadding)

St Mary's Field was still unplayable on Wednesday, December 6  

M Scadding added: “The match is doubtful.

"We would like to play, but the pitch is waterlogged with four inches of water and has now frozen over – it’s like an ice rink.”

There are also more weather and flood warnings in place for Thursday, December 7, which could scupper any hopes of the game going ahead.