Get your skates on at Christmas ice rink
SKATING fans will be able to get their Christmas fix this year after all thanks a South Wales venue’s Winter Pavilion.
Lanelay Hall hotel and spa near Llantrisant has installed a synthetic skating rink.
The venue has stressed that there are stringent Covid-safety protocols in place so that families can enjoy a safe skate, including a rink made from special materials, a one-way system, limited bookings and the wearing of masks while skating.
The Lanelay Hall experience will be a much smaller operation than the cancelled ice events in Cardiff and Swansea, with an marshall would be on the rink at all times to ensure social distancing.
Jonathan Smith, general manager of Lanelay Hall, said: “We have limited it to 15 adults (skating), who in this case are classed as over-11s, meaning that there is only an average of 23 people, including children, for most sessions although this is capped at a maximum of 30 people, including children.
“There is also staggered entry and exit with colour-coded wristbands so that all guests are not on at the same time and that we can easily control this.
“We also allow for a 30-minute clean down per session before the next group arrive, which also prevents congestion as arrival is spaced out.
“We have a one-way system on and off the rink, and you must hand sanitise before going on the rink and while leaving the rink and hand sanitising stations are located on entering the winter pavilion, entering the rink and leaving the rink. “
The rink itself is a synthetic eco rink made from solid polymer plastic material coated with a slippery liquid.
Jonathan added: “We have been working with Public Health Wales and our local council who seem positive with the measures that we have taken and have put extra procedures in on their recommendation before we have opened to ensure a safe environment for everyone – so we are confident that we will be able to hold these skates unless further restrictions are brought in.
“As we are a much smaller operation than Cardiff and Swansea, we have been able to continue with much smaller guest numbers.”