Flood-Hit Tennis Courts Left Without Insurance
Nigel Williams, who has been instrumental in the recovery efforts at the club, described the extent of the damage caused by the flooding: "You couldn't tell they were tennis courts whatsoever. We had about a metre deep of water at one end of the courts and half a metre at the other. It was just like a pond."
The Duffield Tennis and Squash Club has faced a significant challenge following the flooding caused by Storm Babet, which devastated its facilities a year ago. The club incurred repair costs of approximately £1 million after losing seven carpeted tennis courts and five squash courts during the storm, which affected numerous homes and businesses in the area.
This Saturday, the courts will be officially reopened by Sandi Procter, the president of the Lawn Tennis Association and a familiar face at Wimbledon. However, despite the restoration of the facilities, the club is now grappling with a serious issue: it cannot find an insurance provider willing to offer flood coverage. As a result, if the club experiences flooding again, it will have to cover the expenses out of its own pocket.
Nigel Williams, who has been instrumental in the recovery efforts at the club, described the extent of the damage caused by the flooding: "You couldn't tell they were tennis courts whatsoever. We had about a metre deep of water at one end of the courts and half a metre at the other. It was just like a pond."
The storm overwhelmed the club's flood defense measures, causing the water to inundate the courts, lifting the heavy carpets—each weighing around 12 tonnes—like lightweight fabric and tossing them aside. The club had to employ forklift trucks to remove the 85 tonnes of ruined carpet, which filled four lorries.
"We lost £180,000 worth of carpet on the seven tennis courts," Mr. Williams lamented. He acknowledged that while the club has made strides in recovery, it remains a social club, and there are surrounding homes that suffered far worse damage. "Now we haven't got flood insurance. Next time it happens, we will have to self-insure."
Though the club has resumed operations for some time, with all courts replaced by spring, Saturday's event marks the official reopening. James Grindell, the head tennis coach, expressed pride in the occasion, noting that Ms. Procter had learned of the club's struggles and wished to show her support by visiting. "She will come and see our story. She will come and open the courts and see where we are at now," he stated, highlighting the significance of her presence for the club.
As the Duffield Tennis and Squash Club prepares to celebrate its reopening, the challenges of securing flood insurance remain a pressing concern, underscoring the vulnerabilities faced by sports facilities in flood-prone areas.
