Stockton gym flooded AGAIN as second pipe bursts leaving water chiefs 'incredibly sorry'
A Stockton gym owner's business is in ruins after a second flood ripped through the premises.
Garry Bell was left devastated earlier this month when a burst water pipe flooded his gym, damaging thousands of pounds of equipment. However, this wasn't the end of the heartbreak, as just nine days later another pipe burst and once again water gushed into Contender Gym, in Yarm Street, wrecking everything saved in the first flood.
The 42-year-old says the second time round, water damaged computer equipment and sentimental items such as winning boxing belts and shorts.
Garry said a lot of work had been done cleaning up after the first flood and he was in the process of ordering new equipment on Tuesday last week, when he got a call to say it was happening again. He said: "Just like the first time, the water was flooding in, it was pouring through the walls. A different pipe had burst this time."
The heartbroken entrepreneur said although he is hopeful the cost of the damage will be met through insurance, he has no idea how long that will take to recoup, and in the meantime he has lost custom and is still having to pay staff.
He said: "More than 150 people have cancelled their memberships. I can't blame people, they can't be paying for something they are not getting, but it is devastating."
Garry started the gym in 2006 and was really proud of what he had built up. He said: "The business was thriving and I was making a really good living from it and employing people. We can't move to different premises because we don't have any equipment. I have felt like throwing in the towel. I've wondered what am I fighting for."
However, Garry says at the moment he plans to battle on, and get the gym back up and running.
A Northumbrian Water spokesperson said: "We are incredibly sorry that Mr Bell's business has been affected again and we are working alongside him to resolve any issues that have arisen as a result of the burst. The issue was discovered by our technical team during a routine follow-up check, although it wasn't found in time to prevent further flooding. We have made the necessary repair to the pipe and will continue to monitor the situation closely."
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