Wisbech FC stand destroyed in Storm Ciara

Wisbech Town Football Club is counting the cost of Storm Ciara after 70mph winds destroyed one of their stands this morning.

The stand, behind one of the goals at the Elgood's Brewery Fenland Stadium, was totally written off, as well as a goal frame which was tethered to it.

The club estimates the total cost of removing the wreckage of the £13,000 stand, buying a new one and fitting it will cost around £20,000.

Club officials are in talks with their insurance company but it is not known at the moment whether they will pay out.

Next Saturday's game at home against Frickley Athletic in the BetVictor Northern Premier League south east division is in doubt because of the damage to the goal and the club not yet knowing when the stand can be removed.

Club secretary Spencer Larham, who lives in a house at the Lynn Road ground, heard the wind strike at 10.30am: "There was a big bang, a cracking noise and I thought it was the barriers near the players' tunnel going down.

"But when I went out to look, I could not believe my eyes. We've had winds this strong before so it must have been the angle it battered the stand at. It's totally destroyed. It is a write off."

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