Work goes on to get Pensnett community centre ravaged by fire back up and running
The people behind a community centre which suffered tens of thousands of pounds of damage after a severe fire have spoken of the progress being made to rebuild and reopen.
Around 20 firefighters tackled the blaze at Fens Pool Community centre on Chapel Street in Pensnett in the early hours of August 19 after the fire alarm was triggered by smoke and flames.
Arsonists are suspected to have started the fire, which appeared to have started near a tree at the rear of the premises, causing tens of thousands of pounds damage and a fun day to be cancelled.
The incident immediately prompted an outpouring of support with around 70 residents turning up at the scene to lend a hand to get the clean up operation under way at the centre which is owned and operated by the Fens Pool Voluntary Association.
An online fundraising page was also been set up towards the cost of replacing the roof and carrying out repairs with the aim of "helping put a smile back on faces", with more than £5,000 raised, while the centre also received an award of £2,500 from the Severn Trent Neighbourgood Scheme.
