Ice Skating on the way back?

12.00.00am GMT Tue 17th Dec 2002

There are two proposals being launched which could see ice skating returning to the borough.

One, to create an International School of Ice Skating on the recreation ground at the Old Deer Park, is being promoted by a group of local residents led by an Eel Pie Island resident.

There is a separate proposal for a temporary ice rink on Hampton Court Green at holiday times.

MP Vincent Cable has offered strong support to both projects: "There are many people in the borough who regard the closure of the ice rink as unfinished business and want to see the facility restored in a new form."

"The problem has always been to get an entrepreneur or sporting bodies willing to put money into it on a scale necessary to make the project work".

"There was some excitement a couple of years ago when a temporary, mobile ice rink on the Old Deer Park was operated for a few weeks."

"This is what is now being proposed for Hampton Court Green which is already a venue for fairs."

"The Richmond Skating School is more ambitious but a lot of preparatory work has been done".