Appeal launched as Himley Hall Sailing Club hut hit by fire

The club’s wooden starters hut in the grounds of Himley Hall was found burnt down on Monday morning (December 11).

Police were alerted just after 10.30am but the fire – which is believed to have been started deliberately - had already been put out by the fire service by the time officers arrived at the scene.

Staffordshire Police said suspects were seen approaching the hut sometime between 3pm on Sunday December 10 and 7am on Monday December 11.

The incident has been described as a “senseless, spiteful attack” by the club which has launched an online donation page to help raise funds to rebuild the structure. Click here to go to the crowdfunder.

The race is now on to raise funds for a new hut, replacement decking, two benches and to fund lost equipment including buoys, anchors, ropes, paddles and oars, buoyancy aids and flags.

The burnt out remains of the club's starters hut (Image: Richard Harding / Himley Hall Sailing Club)

A spokesperson for the club said: “This senseless, spiteful attack has not only hit the club hard but it is going to impact on the community as a whole.

“Over the years, the club has given thousands of adults the opportunity to experience sailing and we have also worked extensively with youngsters.

“This year alone, we have run evening sessions for youth groups including cubs, guides, scouts, etc which have been enjoyed by hundreds of children and we have also engaged with local schools.

“The club also supports the RNLI having raised over £105,000 towards the lifeboats.

“All these activities could be at risk if we cannot build back quickly but it is going to take a lot of money and effort.”

Staffordshire Police have urged anyone with information about what happened to call 101, quoting incident 188 of December 11, or contact officers via Live Chat on the force website, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.