|  Help Save Bristol Ice Rink!!!Tuesday, 10 January 2012 Please read & add your name to the petition via the link at the bottom of the articleA petition that has been started in an attempt to save Bristol Ice Rink from closure has attracted more than 1600 signatures already; it is hoped that 10,000 people will sign.
It was announced last week that the rink in Frogmore Street, which opened in 1966, is to close next year when its lease runs out. The Unite Group, which owns the site, plans to turn the rink into student accommodation.
The rink was where Olympic Gold Medallist Robin Cousins, currently appearing as Head Judge on ITV show Dancing on Ice, first learnt to skate and many South West children still take lessons from the rink’s coaches each week. The rink is also home to the Bristol Pitbulls Ice Hockey team, who were founded in 2009 by Bristol-born Richie Hargreaves following a 16-year absence of professional Ice Hockey in the city.
As well as Bristol folk the rink attracts visitors from many parts of the South West, including towns such as Taunton, all keen to enjoy an all-weather attraction that offers a great opportunity for fun and exercise; if it closes the nearest alternative rinks for skaters are in Swindon and Plymouth.
The Ice Rink is operated by Berkshire-based businessman John Nike who has indicated that its closure might not mean the end of ice skating in the city; he hopes to build hundreds of homes in the Stockwood area of Bristol and a new £10 million rink could feature in the development’s plans.
Subject to receiving planning permission Unite could open the student flats in time for the academic year starting in September 2014. To add your signature to the petition please visit www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-the-ice-rink/  | Latest News |  | |
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