Leicester: Activity centre faces £80,000 flood repair bill

The centre suffered its worst flooding since 2012

An activity centre has launched an appeal to raise £50,000 to try to repair widespread damage caused by Storm Henk flooding.

Water from the swollen River Soar swamped the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre earlier this month.

The charity, in Belgrave, has started to fix its damaged headquarters and replace lost equipment - but estimated the bill could reach £80,000.

Staff said they hoped to be able to reopen in February.

Staff are redecorating room by room

The centre offers people, mainly young people in the city, the chance to do activities like canoeing and climbing.

Head of the centre, Stuart Fraser, said the riverside building had been deluged with water up to 2ft (0.6m) deep.

"It caused a lot of devastation," he said.

"We've had to rip out all the carpets and we found the floors below needed replacing. We've had to replace the electric wiring and get the gas supply cleared.

"Most of the place needs redecorating.

"We've lost fridges, the photocopier is fried, and I haven't even been able to check whether our ovens still work."

Extensive repairs are under way at the centre

Mr Fraser said the centre's riverside location meant it was unable to get insurance against flood damage.

He thanked local businesses that had donated time and materials to help the centre and supporters, who have so far pledged more than £6,000 through an online fundraising page.

Sport England has also given a grant of £15,000 to help the centre get back on its feet.

"The response has been brilliant so far," Mr Fraser said.

"We have made a lot of progress but it still feels like we have a long way to go."