A blaze at an historic cricket club’s tearoom has caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Enfield Cricket Club officials think the building, which is over a century old, may have to be knocked down after its interior was destroyed by fire.
The tearoom, which was the old pavilion, became engulfed in flames at around 6am on Wednesday, August 31.
Fire also spread to the adjoining groundsman’s hut – damaging equipment used to maintain the cricket field and old team photos.
An investigation has begun but firefighters think an electrical fault is at the root of the blaze.
Club committee man Robin Bracewell, whose wife, Katherine, works in the tearoom, believes it is a "write-off".
He said: "It’s a good job it’s the end of the season and we only have two first team home games left. I don’t how we will cater for the weekend though because we’ve thrown a lot of food out. It’s hard times for cricket clubs in the Lancashire League and this doesn’t help us. Luckily our clubhouse is thriving but gate receipts are down because of the poor weather too.
"It looks like the fire started from wiring behind one of the cupboards but that’s being looked at.
"We don’t know what the rebuild will cost. It will have to be done over the winter step by step."
Three crews – made up of 15 firefighters – were sent to the club on Dill Hall Lane, Church, shortly after 6am following reports of smoke and flames coming from a building.
Six firefighters used breathing apparatus to access the tearoom which supporters and players use to enjoy food and refreshments on match days.
A triple extension ladder and hose reels were also used to combat the fire until it was put out.
Crews left the scene around three hours later after dampening the damaged areas down.
Hyndburn watch manager Glenn Fogarty said: "The fire in the tearoom was quite severe when we arrived. We sent six people in wearing breathing apparatus. We think it was an electrical fault as the building was secure and there was no sign of a break-in."
