VIDEO: Worthing ice rink success story – pictures
HANG on to your blades — Worthing could be in line to have a proper ice rink of its own.
Click on the green play button to see video from the opening day, and on the view gallery link for photographs taken at the rink on Saturday, February 14.
With local skaters having the time of their lives on the temporary rink in Steyne Gardens, borough council leader Keith Mercer told the Herald that officers would be reviewing suitable sites for a permanent facility.
Mr Mercer said: "I am asking officers to undertake a thorough review of potential sites and locations for an ice rink in Worthing, either a permanent rink or one that can be made available in the winter months."
Robin Cousins
He said the temporary ice rink in Steyne Gardens showed there was enormous enthusiasm for skating in Worthing, and beyond.
And he was pleased to say that skating star Robin Cousins was keen to help develop ice skating in Worthing.
To emphasise the skate-away success of the Steyne Gardens venture, town centre manager Sharon Clarke has revealed a group of Sussex town centre managers was visiting Steyne Gardens.
By Monday, February 16, with 14 days left until the rink closes, takings had already topped 50,000 — thus ensuring the attraction's financial success.
Fantastic idea
Mrs Clarke said the cost of bringing the rink to Steyne Gardens was originally 70,000.
But this figure had risen by an extra 10,000 because the icing equipment was having to be powered by fuel.
"But despite this, we are well on the way to at least break even," she said.
"It has been fantastic, and the rink was full to capacity over the weekend."
Bryan Turner, the borough council's cabinet member for a clean and green environment, said: "If it could be shown that it would at least break even, we could take the idea further."
Herald winners
Hundreds of people will be skating for free on Saturday after the Herald/Gazette gave away 130 pairs of tickets.
All winners have now been contacted.
But for those who missed out, the Herald has another 10 sets of family tickets (for four people) to give away.
Each set is worth up to 24.
Win tickets
For a chance to win the tickets, for various evening and weekend sessions between February 26 and March 1, collect two tokens and answer one question.
You will need to be quick though –as the deadline is 4pm on Monday, February 23 – so buy two copies of the paper now and get your form sent in.
You can give your spare copy to a friend!
The winners will have to collect the free tickets from the Herald offices in Worthing.
The question: Where is Worthing's ice-skating rink located?
Send your forms to Nicola McLarnon, Worthing Herald, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.
And hurry!
Pictures
To order copies of photographs online click here for Photos Today or call 01903 282382/3.
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Weather for Worthing
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
