Club to get bowls rolling again after arson attack

Sheridan Wheeler initially thought the arson attack would end all bowls activity at the club

A sports club is ready to get the bowls rolling again after suffering an arson attack earlier this year.

About £27,000-worth of equipment was damaged at March Con Bowls Club when fire ripped through three storage sheds on New Year's Day.

Sheridan Wheeler, treasurer of the Creek Road club, said she was "thrilled by the generosity of locals".

She said that although more fundraising needed to be done, the club would be back in action when the new season starts in May.

Equipment in the sheds was destroyed during the fire

Ms Wheeler said members were "absolutely devastated" by the arson.

"The fire took equipment, tools, woods, our storage sheds, and a large ride-on mower was stolen, too," she said.

Ms Wheeler set up a fundraising drive which has so far raised almost £1,500.

Rob Webb said the bowls club was not only about keeping fit but about socialising, too

Rob Webb, 67, said he "felt like crying" when he heard about the attack.

"I thought that my bowls career was over, but hopefully we have pulled it around and we will be back in May," he said.

He said that because the mowers were either stolen or burnt, the groundsman was having to cut the green with a small domestic mower, which was "taking all day".

Cambridgeshire Police said the case had been filed "pending further investigative opportunities coming to light".