Wednesfield Aces rising from ashes of arson attack

A top sports club ravaged by an arson attack is rising from the ashes of the fire amid an amazing show of support from the community.

Wednesfield Aces Cycle Speedway Club lost 50 years worth of irreplaceable trophies, records and memorabilia when its clubhouse was gutted in the blaze.

But local companies, including fire-devastated builders merchants Carvers, have come to the rescue by giving thousands of pounds worth of materials needed to rebuild the wrecked building free of charge.

Local people are staging fundraising events and a butcher has even started selling specially produced sausages to get cash for the Ashmore Park-based club.

Aces founder and chief executive Paul Bodley said: "I never lost my faith in human nature despite what happened to us but this has certainly improved it. The community has been absolutely wonderful.

"I am also very proud of all those at the club who have got stuck in."

Carvers is giving hundreds of pounds worth of dry wall boards to the club.

Managing director Henry Carver said: "After what we have suffered, this obviously felt close to home and as a community-based company we were delighted to help."

The Dodd Group, which is currently working on properties in Ashmore Park as part of the Wolverhampton Homes Decent Homes renovation project, is donating £2,000 worth of electrical equipment. Branch manager Dean Adcock said: "We got a phone call asking if we could help and I asked for volunteers. It will not cost the club a penny."

Meanwhile Jewson building merchants delivered £400 worth of ceiling board and other equipment free of charge.