A BUSINESS which fought back from the brink of closure after a ‘once in 30 years flood’ has been washed out again less than 12 months later.

Bacup gym Pioneer Health and Fitness Studio is facing a damage bill of at least £15,000 after yesterday’s early morning deluge.

It is another blow for bosses who were told they were uninsurable after last year’s downpours caused devastating damage in August.

But they claimed they were also told last year, after an inspection from United Utilities, that there was little chance of a repeat because the 2012 storms were a ‘once in 30 years’ event.

Yesterday, owners of the gym were assessing the damage after rainwater flowed down their sloped car park, through the entrance doors and filled offices, reception areas, salons and the gym with around three inches of water. Only the changing rooms escaped.

A huge clean-up operation started at 4am yesterday involving staff and gym members.

The company said around £15,000 of damage had been caused to machines but the amount caused to floorings and fittings had not been worked out.

Owner Gavin Smith said: “We had no idea of any flood risk when we came here five years ago. However, we have been flooded four times in that period.

“Last year was by far the worst and we lost our insurance over it. So when United Utilities said it was just freak weather, we had to leave it at that.

“However, I think it must be obvious now that the drainage in this area simply cannot cope.

“The system is old and out-of-date and there are now too many businesses and homes in the area using it.”

Mr Smith and manger Tim Weir had been on red alert since the Rockcliffe Road business was forced to close for two-and-a-half weeks last year due to the water damage.

A total of £210,000 was spent on the revamp, including £30,000 on flood prevention, and the new facilities were only unveiled with an open day in May.

At 1.30am yesterday Mr Weir checked the uninsured property after rain began but found all was well.

However at 4am, Mr Smith checked after becoming alarmed at the sudden increase in the downpours.

The businessman and Bacup firefighters found gallons of water had poured in and covered most of the 3,000 square foot property.

Straight away, Mr Smith’s team of 10 staff started mopping up and they were joined by gym members and firefighters with mops and buckets.

The gym was closed yesterday but Mr Weir said they were determined to re-open as soon as possible.

He said: “I checked the place as soon as it started raining.

“To be honest with you, we get a bit twitchy whenever it is a rainy night after all the trouble we have had.

“One thing I must say is a big thank you to everyone who joined in the clean-up. As soon as we put word of the closure on Twitter and Facebook, people just started coming in to help.”

No-one from United Utilities was available to comment yesterday.