Petition for new ice hockey rink gathers pace
Nearly 3,500 people have now signed a petition demanding a new ice rink for Ayr.
The petition, launched earlier this year by Ayr Bruins Junior Ice Hockey Club, is calling on South Ayrshire Council to help introduce a brand new facility in the town.
And the petition has taken on even more significance following the temporary closure of the rink in Limekiln Road.
The Post told last month how Ayr and Kyle Figure Skating Clubs, along with the Ayr Bruins, were left dismayed by a decision to close Ayr Ice Rink and melt all the ice.
At the time the decision to close the rink was labelled “short sighted” and “deplorable.”
Rink owners, Ayrshire Curlers Plc, took the decision to close the facility to all users due to ongoing Coronavirus restrictions and a cash shortage.
Defending the decision to close, director Andrew Kerr said the company was “haemorrhaging money” and that “no business can continue on that basis.”
And last week we told how Ayr Ice Rink bosses said they needed an £ 85,000 bailout just to stay afloat.
Liz Goldie, chair of rink owners Ayr Curling Club, claimed it cost £ 950 “each and every day of the year” to maintain the ice and the whole business.
The Chair also warned that the rink would be closed until October next year, leaving grave fears over the future of ice sports in Ayr.
Now the Bruins are hoping that more people will rally to their petition and place pressure on the local authority to sit up and take notice.
South Ayrshire Council has previously stated that they were “keen” that residents had “every opportunity” to get active and stay active.
And they stated they would always try to work with partners including local sports clubs to “help achieve this ambition.”
The Bruins said of their petition: “Ayr is a town steeped in ice hockey tradition.
“What once was a thriving town renowned for its ice hockey teams and figure skaters is now the poor relation of ice rinks in Scotland.
“We lose members to other rinks outwith South Ayrshire and cannot develop fully due to restrictions put on us by the governing body which stop us progressing beyond Under- 16 age level.
“A new rink will allow our players to train at more suitable times during the week, allowing for a rest period between training and games.
“It will allow us to progress beyond U16 age level. It will encourage new members to join and build our membership.
“It will provide much needed and wanted opportunities for Public Skating sessions for members of the public to keep fit and healthy.
“It will develop the figure skating clubs and encourage visitors to come to Ayr and spend money.
“A fit for purpose rink could also entice shows like Disney on Ice, Dancing on Ice, Elite League games or even NHL pre season challenge games but most importantly the people of Ayr will have what they deserve - the best ice rink in Scotland.”
To sign the petition go to www. change. org/ p/ south- ayrshire- council- get- ayr- a- new- ice- rink.