Attempt to Re-launch the Ice Rink

4.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Jul 2003

ISIS (the project seeking to re-create an International School of Ice Skating) held a public meeting on Friday (July 24) to mobilise support. MP Vincent Cable and local councillors attended.

The project is currently centred on, and has architects plans for, either the tennis court area behind the Pools on the Park or on the car park site on the Richmond town side of the A316.

But it is faced with a refusal by the Crown Estates to release the public land around the Pools.

Vincent Cable said after the meeting: "there is a lot of support for the basic concept. But if the organisers are to get it off the ground they will have to be pragmatic, given the enormous difficulties experienced in the past in finding a suitable site."

There are potential sites in Twickenham - the council depot is now in play - which may not be perfect but should be looked at".

"In the meantime I shall do what I can to support practical initiatives - like the temporary ice rink lined up for Hampton Court later in the year, to ensure that young people do have the experience of skating locally".