Plans for a new leisure centre in Romford, replacing the Romford Ice Arena are impressive and certainly if market research has shown that there is a demand for it, should be a great addition to Brooklands Ward covering both Romford and Rush Green.

However, Liberal Democrats have deep reservations upon whether the council will provide an alternative ice rink for some of London’s best figure skaters and the 300 adults and children on the Learn To Skate programme, encouraging active sport and time between parent and child, based at the Ice Arena.

The 23 year old Romford Ice, Dancing and Figure Skating Club can’t fall to pieces whilst new facilities are in waiting.  Lib Dems believe that new Government Levies and external investment could cover the cost of temporary facilities for the borough’s skaters to keep them on the ice through London’s Olympic celebrations and for the future.

Conservative Council Leader Michael White stated in June that he “would look at providing alternative provision for skaters while the new ice rink was being built”.

However, Council Officers have since written to users stating that it was unlikely a temporary rink would be provided by the Council.

We urge the Conservative-run Council to seek the funding needed to keep our skaters on ice.