A NORBURY gym torched by arsonists in the riots suffered £1 million worth of damage, it has been revealed.

Nuffield Health Centre, based along the London Road, was torched in the early hours of August 9 last year.

It is thought somebody broke into the premises and started three separate fires in the relaxation area, reception and back office.

And such was the chaos across Croydon, firefighters from Hendon were called to the site.

But last Thursday the centre was officially reopened again, to the delight of staff and members.

Recalling the events of last August, centre manager Lee Seamons said: "We closed early that night – we've got TVs and we could see the things happening in Croydon.

"At home I saw the pictures of Reeves Corner and the damage, but at no point did I ever think we were in trouble."

But at about 5am, Lee woke to discover several voicemails on his phone explaining there had been a fire at Nuffield.

Within an hour he had rushed down to the scene and although the fire had been put out, the site was still smouldering.

Lee said: "I opened the door, but I couldn't even get two metres in because of the smoke. I don't think I'll ever get away from that smell.

"The members were devastated – they didn't think it would happen to us."

Businesswoman Sonia Bromfield, who has been a member of the club for over 15 years, added: "We were in tears when we heard what had happened.

"It was more than losing a gym; Norbury Nuffield is a community in itself. It's a very special place."

The fire had been confined to downstairs but had still caused extensive damage.

Computers had literally melted away, non-brick walls had collapsed and the electrics had been struck – meaning the gym equipment wouldn't work.

Lee said: "I knew there'd been a fire but I thought we could box the area off and carry on."

With forensics, an insurance claim to deal with and the building work it would mean five months out of business for Nuffield.

Although some members have been lost along the way, the centre is hoping to attract them back.

Lee added: "We actually opened on January 2, but we wanted to make sure we were up and running properly."