The Isle of Wight Council’s health and safety inspector has today (Tuesday) visited Ryde Arena following damage sustained to the ice rink’s roof on Saturday.
As first reported by Island Echo, emergency services were called to Quay Road on Ryde Esplanade on Sunday morning when strong winds ripped parts of the already-damaged roof off Ryde Arena, endangering the public.
The ice rink has remained open since, however the rink’s management have this afternoon taken the decision to close the doors for the foreseeable future to allow repairs to be undertaken.
It has been confirmed that the rink will remain closed for the remainder of today and tomorrow at least. It is unknown when the ice rink will reopen, however it is anticipated to only be closed for a few days at most.
UPDATE THURSDAY: The scheduled on-ice performances of Aladdin at Ryde Arena on 12th and 13th December have been postponed.
In a statement issued today, the ice rink’s management have said:
“It is with great regret that we have to inform you that we are unable to proceed with the Christmas show on the planned dates.
Article continues below this advertisement “We are currently working hard to sort out the situation with the roof following the storm damage on Saturday.
“The building is closed temporarily for saftey reasons. We intend on re-opening as soon as we can and arranging a new date for the show.
“Please be assured Ryde Arena Trust is committed to ensuring ice skating on the Isle of Wight”.
A donation page has been set up to help raise funds for the roof repairs. You can donate at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ryde-arena-roof-repairs#/.
Aerial photograph thanks to Darren Vaughan at Wight Drone
