Wightlink Warriors home at Smallbrook Stadium in Ryde has suffered extensive flooding following a major water main being breeched, reportedly by contractors working on road improvements adjacent to the stadium.
The incident occurred around lunchtime yesterday (21st January) and many areas of the stadium site were quickly submerged. The speedway pits, stands, grass verges, speedway track and football pitch have been badly affected and there are also suggestions that there may be ingress in the main building around the gym area.
Speaking this morning, Wightlink Warriors shocked co-owner Barry Bishop said, “It was with great concern that I saw the photos and video footage of the flooding at Smallbrook Stadium caused by the water main that burst yesterday. Such a deluge of water can create considerable damage - some of which may not yet be visible - and we are now working with Southern Water and their contractors to resolve the situation, so that we can get the stadium operating and back to normal as fast as possible. Luckily the forecast of mild dry weather will help us. I know this incident will be heart-breaking for all the volunteers who worked tirelessly last week on stadium improvements. It is such a shame, but ultimately these things happen, and we should tackle this head-on and positively, fix it, and keep up the great work we do to keep the stadium so attractive and welcoming for all. I am now travelling to the stadium, and I would like to thank the local volunteers for protecting what they could and getting the recovery operation moving. There will be a lot of work to be done over the next few days, but we are determined to be ready for the planned training school ‘My First Skid’ next Thursday and support all those who will be working to return the stadium to normal operations as fast as possible. “