Market Drayton sports centre bounces back from burglary
Officials at a Market Drayton sports centre say they will make the venue "bigger and better" despite a burglary which caused thousands of pounds of damage.
Burglars broke into Drayton Sports and Leisure Club, in Betton Road, causing damage to the inside of the club.
Chris Blase, duty manager and personal trainer at the club, said that the staff were not going to let the burglary get them down.
The club has now bought in some new gym equipment as they look to the future.
He said: "We have just been delivered a cable cross-over machine. People can do multiple exercises on it to improve muscle fitness.
"Every gym has one and we were losing customers because we didn't so it is great to finally get it.
"We now have all the equipment we need and the gym is looking great.
"We have no contracts and people can get free squash membership if they sign up.
"I have been working on improving the gym since I got here five years ago and it is getting bigger and better.
"The break in has put us back a bit as we have had to spend time patching up the doors and cleaning up the mess.
"It made me angry and disappointed.
"We have lots of brilliant volunteers who give up their spare time to make this club such a success.
"It is a community club more than anything. Since the break in I have had more than 50 messages with people asking if we need help.
"Everyone has come together. We will not let it get us down.
"My next plan is to set up an amateur boxing club. I want to keep on making the club more and more successful."
Police are appealing for information about the break-in, which happened between 9pm on Thursday and 9am on Friday.
Andy King, Market Drayton community support officer, said: "Offenders have gained entry by forcing a patio door on the balcony leading to the bar area.
"There has been extensive damage caused to the inside of the club including doors, walls and ceilings in order to enter different parts of the club. Vending machines and the safe have been targeted along with bottles of spirits.
"The damage caused is extremely excessive and will cost thousands to repair.
"This is going to have a great impact on the community around Market Drayton, with the club being used for numerous social and fitness classes along with sporting teams."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Market Drayton police quoting reference 110s of January 15. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
