Mardons Social Club, in Midsomer Norton, is hoping that it will not be counting the cost of water damage after rainwater began to come through the ceiling in several places in the new building it has occupied for under a year, during the heavy storms recently. Such was the weight of the water, that the ceiling tiles were sagging and staff arrived to find the carpet and dance floor soaking wet.

With a busy weekend ahead, the club battled on and avoided closure – and with buckets everywhere, it gave the comedian in the cabaret act plenty of

material! The club reopened the following day for the World’s Biggest Pub Quiz, raising funds for Dorothy House, albeit to the sound of dripping water.

The committee say that the problem could have been avoided, with issues spanning over a year in the new building provided to them by Linden Homes, as part of a then Section 106 agreement for the housing estate on old factory land. They also raised concerns recently after the office space above the social club was taken off the market following a reported lack of interest, prompting fears that a planning application for flats could be an option in future for the developer.

A few weeks ago, members noticed that the tiles were discolouring and on calling someone out from the developer, the tiles were replaced, but a week later, were looking the same again. The club says it has spent thousands on equipping the building, including new air-conditioning units and a dance floor, which has special cleaning fluid applied to it, rather than water.

While the building was still a shell, members originally had to wait for surface water to dry out before the flooring could be laid and they are now concerned at the potential long-term effects of the latest leaks.

Despite these problems, the club admits that the move has been a phenomenal success, with the Nursery next door also enjoying the benefits. However, it has been a long road, with the whole move process taking around four years and the club first having to prove that it was viable.

It is currently used by many community groups, including SWALLOW, the Autistic Society, Mardons Carnival Club and the Alcan LM Pensioners’ Association, at no cost, also hosting live music and events every weekend.

The committee now wait in hope for the problem to finally be addressed, but said this week: “We are disappointed that this has been going on since the back end of last year, with the situation now much worse. We are still in a state of

disruption, but doing the best we can.

“Having spent tens of thousands on kitting out the building, long-term damage to our fixtures and fittings is of real concern.”

Linden Homes have been contacted for comment.