Soccer fans heartbroken over Newbury Football Club fire

Generations of local football fans were devastated today (Saturday) after fire gutted Newbury Football Club's Faraday Road clubhouse.

The blaze broke out in the early hours and firefighters from across West Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire responded.

At one stage, they needed to pump water from the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Tadley fire station posted: "At 1.28am this morning we were mobilised alongside Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service to a derelict building fire in Newbury.

Ramsbury firefighters posted on social media: "In attendance with our Royal Berkshire colleagues to supply much needed water to the incident.

"We were able to return to Ramsbury once water was obtained from a near by river."

It is not known what caused the blaze in the derelict building, which has been repeatedly vandalised in recent months.

Nic Robbins of Newbury Community Football Group said on social media: "I can assure you this doesn't mean the end for football in Newbury town centre or Newbury Community Football Group.

"Just means West Berkshire Council will need to waste taxpayers' money now building a new one!"

Jennie Simmons posted on Newburytoday.co.uk's Facebook page: "Lots of good memories of this place but also sad, as the last game of football played on this ground was when our grandsons organized a testimonial match in memory of their dad, Roy Simmons, at the end of May 2018

"Two days later the club and ground were shut down; what a very sad loss to Newbury."

Michael Tiffy Smith posted: "Very sad to see; most people in this town can recall good memories either in the ground or at least in the bar. Such a waste and very sad to see it end up like this."

Many posters expressed bitterness at West Berkshire Council for leaving the building derelict for so long.

* Photograph courtesy of Ramsbury Fire Station