The Island’s only ice rink has been saved from closure after a deal was this morning (Saturday) completed to transfer the Planet Ice Ryde Arena into the hands of Ryde Arena Ltd.
The ice rink will close on Monday for the day, but will reopen on Tuesday in the hands of the newly formed Community Interest Company, which is being led by Ian Jenkins who previously saved the nearby Waterside Pool from closure. Ryde Arena Ltd took control of the business at 10:00.
The deal, which allows clubs and individuals to continue skating, follows weeks of fundraising and a battle to keep the chillers on, with fears switching the machinery off would prove too expensive to rectify.
Vix Lowthion, IW Parliamentary Candidate for the Green Party, has tonight congratulated the CiC on their success:
“To lose the Ice Rink would have been a tragedy for the young people on the Isle of Wight.
“I heartily congratulate our local community leaders who have stepped forward and organised themselves to take over the rink on our behalf, and all of the islanders who have fundraised to get the money together to ensure a proper business plan can be put in place.
“Our sporting and leisure facilities are vital for the health and well being of both visitors and islanders.We cannot afford to lose them and we shouldn’t have to rely on volunteers having to solve the crises when they are threatened.
“My young boys are excited that they can return to the rink and get on the ice in the near future.”
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