Appeal to build new stand underway

Clitheroe have launched a crowdfunding campaign to replace their Shed End stand after it was flattened in the winter storms that wiped out last Saturday's entire EVO-STIK League programme.

Installed over 45 years ago and the oldest stand at Shawbridge, the structure had to be dismantled by volunteers working late into the night under floodlights on Friday for safety reasons after collapsing in the gale force winds generated when Storm Emma met the 'Beast from the East' over the home of the Blues.

Officials at the EVO-STIK League North club launched the fundraising drive on Tuesday in a statement thanking the volunteers who rushed to secure the stand with sections of the roof peeling off as well a two local firms and an affiliate club who lent a hand the next day - E&D Plant Hire, Clitheroe Light Engineering and the Clitheroe Wolves respectively.

A Blues spokesperson said: "A fundraising page has been set up to help put towards the cost of replacing the stand with another that the club, fans and the town's community can be proud of.

Flattened: Clitheroe's damaged stand

Flattened: Clitheroe's damaged stand

"100 per cent of donations will go directly towards the construction of the new stand and anything that you can donate will be greatly appreciated by the club and it's volunteers. We'll also hopefully be organising some exciting fundraising events in the near future to help us along the way, so keep your eyes peeled."

Fans mourned the loss of the stand and shared their memories of happier times being protected from the elements under its cover on social media as the campaign got underway and officials posted images of the foundations cleared for rebuilding work to begin when the £5,000 they estimate is needed is raised.

Richard Hardcastle wrote: "RIP the Shed End. So many memories made watching games under there since a kid. Started going in the 70s when there was only the Shed End and a wooden seated stand on the halfway line for cover. Great times."

Dom Burke posted: "Had a cracking Boxing Day a few years back under this stand watching Clitheroe v Ramsbottom with family and friends ..."

Damage control: Officials survey the damage

Damage control: Officials survey the damage

Last weekend's full programme of fixtures were postponed 24 hours early on Friday after league officials put special measures in place to avoid any unnecessary travel and inconvenience for fans, players and officials and ensure their safety.

Clubs were put on alert for a third time this season on Thursday afternoon as the winter blast and so-called 'Beast from the East' continued to cause travel chaos across the UK and the Met Office issued a number of Yellow and Red weather warnings from Scotland to the South West.

For more information and to donate, visit: http://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/clitheroefcstand.

Images courtesy of @ClitheroeFC/Twitter

Job done: Officials check out their foundations for a new stand

Job done: Officials check out their foundations for a new stand

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