THE chairman of a Meirionnydd football cub has spoken of his anguish after a fire destroyed the club’s storage container.

The fire completely destroyed a storage cabin which housed Barmouth & Dyffryn United FC’s kitchen, training equipment and the junior team’s kit.

Club chairman William Huntley believes the fire was started deliberately and told the Cambrian News that he does not know why someone would attack the club.

“What was gained out of doing this?” Mr Huntley said. “It was a kit room for the juniors, and there was a kitchen in there but there’s no electricity to the cabin at the moment so that didn’t start the fire.

“We’ve had a few issues over the years with doors being kicked in and kit thrown around, but nothing like this.

“I’m quite distraught as you can imagine.

“I’ve had a quote for about £2,000 for a new container but it’s also completely destroyed everything in it.”

Police said they were aware of the incident, and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, which had to send appliances from Dolgellau and Harlech, are appealing to people to become firefighters.

Mr Huntley said he received a call on Sunday night alerting him to the fire.

“It’s been a tough time for the club and we’ve spent thousands keeping the grass cut. We’ve all been under mental strain and now this!”

Mr Huntley, who has been at the club for 15 years, is determined to move forward despite the fire.

“When I can get some money in the pot I’ll try to get a container to replace this one,” he said. “I’ve still got big plans for the club.”

North Wales Police said they did not attend the fire but they are aware of it.

North Wales Fire and Rescue said it could not send Barmouth’s fire engine and appliances from Dolgellau and Harlech had to attend.

A spokesperson said on Monday: “We were called at 6.51pm yesterday, 26 September, to Park Road, Barmouth to a fire involving a metal constructed cabin used for storage of football equipment.

“The fire caused 100 per cent fire damage, and the cause of the fire is unknown. Crews from Harlech and Dolgellau attended.”