DRAMATIC flooding in Harwich saw houses filled with disgusting sewage water – but it didn’t stop bingo enthusiasts from chancing their hobby.

Punters headed down to Park Pavillion, in Harwich, at the weekend after many present had spent their time selflessly helping those who’s homes had been flooded.

Among them was Alison Bareham, a care worker from Bathside, who had seen her road affected by the flooding caused by excess rainfall.

And the Park Pavillion, in Barrack Lane, wasn’t free from falling victim to the weather either as water leaked through into the building.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Mrs Bareham said: “When I arrived at bingo there were some drips coming through the ceiling. Staff were putting bowls on the floor to catch it.

“We were then aware the rain was coming in through the fire door, so they shut it but it was running through the top of the door frame quite fast.

“They tried placing towels to catch the water but it was flowing faster than it could be mopped up. The staff tried to mop it up as fast as they could but it still covered nearly half of the floor and the ceiling was dripping places with water coming through the light fittings.”

But keen enthusiasts found a way to adapt, moving tables so they weren’t in the worst spots and removing their bags from the floor so the fun could continue in a safe manner.

“I have never seen anything like this before,” Mrs Bareham added, “it’s very concerning our emergency meeting place is not fit for purpose.

“The community centre is used by many people on a weekly basis. It was used a lot during the worst of the pandemic, cooking meals for the vulnerable, and is used as an emergency hub when necessary.

“In my opinion, if we lived in another town this would not have happened.

“The staff at the pavilion were great during it all and everyone was concerned for each other, as well as about the implications to the whole community if the hall is not in a good state of repair.”