Plea for financial help after Storm Callum hits club

THE Burry Port and Pembrey branch of the Royal British Legion is making a desperate plea for financial help in the aftermath of Storm Callum.

Extensive damage was caused by the storm, which caused roof damage and the ceilings to collapse through both floors at the club in Station Road, Burry Port.

It has remained largely closed since the storm hit overnight on Friday, October 12, and into the next day.

However, enough has been done to ensure the electrics are safe downstairs and bingo can now be held there.

Club leaders have launched a crowdfunding effort online but fear the Legion branch may be forced to shut its doors for good if the repair costs are not met.

Treasurer Michelle Wilson is behind the funding drive and said: “Every penny raised will help the club and help us get all the repairs needed within the building.

“We desperately need help to keep our Royal British Legion Club open.

“Our building has been extremely badly damaged by Storm Callum which hit the South Wales area with force.

“The storm damaged our roof, which has caused major damage, causing our ceiling to collapse through both of our floors and affecting our electric, meaning our rooms are deemed unsafe. We have been forced to close the doors until we get the urgent repairs fixed.”

The crippling costs could see the end of the branch, however, and a target of £8,500 has been set online.

Michelle added: “We unfortunately are very low on funds for the repairs needed and the longer our doors are kept closed the more likely we will have to shut the doors for good.”

The club is a focal point for veterans and their families in the area and provides a vital lifeline for social gatherings, which they otherwise may not get to enjoy.

Michelle added: “We hope to raise the money to allow structural checks of the building and also to have enough to upgrade it, put in disabled toilets and a stairlift too.

“We are looking beyond the repairs because we want to save the club for years to come and see more people use it.”

Chair of the branch, Pam Every, said: “It was mainly damage to the flat roof and then ceilings coming down in the toilets.

“We want to raise the money to get back open and also to hopefully attract more people to use the club.

“Anyone of all ages can come here and we want to ensure the club can survive into the future.”