Flooded gym facing huge bill to replace equipment

The academy had to close its doors for two days but has now reinstated some classes

A gymnastics academy had to temporarily close its doors after suffering thousands of pounds worth of damage during Storm Babet.

The foam pits used by the gymnasts at Notts Gymnastics Academy to break their falls while dismounting from equipment filled with water during the storm.

It left 8,500 pieces of foam and some padding ruined, which will cost up to £46,000 to replace.

Some gymnasts have also had to relocate to other gyms for training.

Director at the academy, Nila Bowdler, said: "Our big pit had six inches of water but our smaller pit had water up to the knee.

"We got pumps and dehumidifiers in but the clear-up was a mammoth task.

"It's hugely impacting the children. It's amazing how resilient they are, they get up, they get on and focus on competing.

Members are helping to clear out the damp foam and they've already filled two skips

"We've had one quote of over £46,000 just for foam and padding but we know there's wooden structures that will need replacing, which will be a few thousand.

"We've got pumps and dehumidifiers in, but clearing the foam was the biggest thing and it has to be disposed of by specialists.

"We've reached out on our own social media channels and we have over 1,500 members, parents and people linked with gymnasts helping out. The council have also helped by providing skips and dehumidifiers.

"It really is quite sad."

The youngest member at the club is two and the oldest is 27

Members of the academy have been training at other facilities in preparation for the Notts Open competition this weekend.

Ms Bowdler said: "It's just devastating because you know that's all equipment that you're not going to be able to use and we've had to put parts of the gym out of action.

"There's a national competition final this weekend, so members have had to find other places to train.

"We just want to get the gymnasts back in and training doing what we do."

The centre closed partially to classes for two days but have now reinstated most classes where they can use what gym equipment they have left.

Members are raising funds via a JustGiving page in a bid to replace ruined equipment.

Management of the academy have said they are in talks with their contents insurer.