The chair of West Oxford Bowls Club has expressed his sadness at damages caused by flooding at their home ground, describing greens and facilities as now “almost completely destroyed.”

The club, in Botley Park in Botley Road, has been underwater for the last two days as the level of the River Thames has swelled and covered the surrounding land.

Club chair Richard Powell attended the site today (Sunday, January 7) to assess the extent of the damages at the grounds.

He had to wade through water to reach the greens and clubhouse, both of which he says are under “at least four inches of water.”

Mr Powell said: “The floor is absolutely saturated, with parts of the carpet and tiles having been pulled up.

"Everything will have to be taken out. Some things may be salvageable but nothing from the floor.

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“We’re going to need new equipment and will have to conduct refurbishments.

"For now we’re mostly concerned about wet rot, how the upcoming cold snap my exacerbate the damage and where we stand with insurance.”

“The members are understandably very upset. However, they’re hugely dedicated and I know when the water clears they will be here doing everything they can to help.”

He estimates the total cost of refurbishment could be up to £20,000.

Mr Powell added: “This has been the worst possible start to our centenary year. The season is due to start in April, I just hope we can be back up and running by then.”