Skaters make vow to promote rink

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to keep an ice rink in Grimsby have formed a committee to lead their battle – vowing to promote the facility to its maximum.

About 200 people packed the bar at Grimsby Leisure Centre, which holds the ice rink, for a meeting to discuss the campaign last night.

A worried young ice skater at a meeting to discuss the future of the ice rink at Grimsby Leisure Centre.

As reported, North East Lincolnshire Council has proposed a full revamp of leisure facilities in the area.

As part of those plans, Grimsby Leisure Centre could close and be relocated, but without the ice rink.

A petition against the proposed closure has been launched and can be signed on the Grimsby Telegraph website at www.thisisgrimsby .co.uk/icerinkpetition.

This petition is due to be presented to the council, ahead of the scrutiny panel on July 28.

However, it was suggested at the meeting last night, by Coun Stewart Swinburn (Immingham Con), that campaigners should present it to the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Coun John Colebrook, on the day of the scrutiny meeting, to ensure maximum impact.

Among those at the meeting were individual users of the facility and members of various clubs, such as Grimsby Lightning and Redwings ice hockey clubs, to figure skaters.

Yvette Norton, a figure skating coach, chaired the meeting.

She said: "We need to promote the facility because it seems not enough people are aware of how important and how well-used it is."

Sue Wells, the council's deputy director of environmental services, was asked to attend the meeting, but was unable to.

However, she sent a letter in, which was viewed by many at the meeting.

Included in the letter was: "We are not looking at any removal of leisure facilities for at least another five or 10 years.

"We are working with key stakeholders to ensure we realise the business possibilities for our investments."

The council is prepared to speak with any private companies that may wish to invest in a commercial ice rink.

Yvette said: "This is why we need to talk it up."

All those present were urged to sign the petition and carry the fight throughout North East Lincolnshire and beyond – as people from Scunthorpe and Lincoln also use the facility.

Coun Stewart Swinburn, Coun Karen Swinburn (Immingham, Con) and Coun Keith Watkin (West Marsh, Ind) were present, and all added support to the campaign.

Coun Stewart Swinburn said: "I can assure you that you have our full support."

Abbie Gowan, 15, of Grimsby, regularly uses the ice rink.

She said: "I think it is awful it could be shut as I know a lot of people who use it. Many people will be sad about it closing."

The committee, which will comprise of figures from various groups which use it, is due to step up the fight by spreading the word and making sure as many people as possible sign the petition.

Another meeting has been called for Friday, June 19 at Grimsby Leisure Centre at 7pm.