Around 40 jobs at the Isle of Wight’s only ice skating rink will go after it was announced that Planet Ice (Ryde Arena) will close at the end of March.
The CP are reporting that owner of the ice rink, Mike Petrouis, visited the Island today to break the news to staff.
34 members of staff, as well as skating coaches, will now have to find other work, some after having worked there for many years.
New leaseholder sought
Manager, Lorna Cotton, told the CP Mr Petrouis had said he’d listen to anyone who wanted to take it over, apparently adding he’d “sell them the fixtures and fittings, and the rest of the lease, for £5 if it would keep the rink open”.
Opened in 1991, the ice rink is also home to figure skating, ice hockey teams and has hosted a number of music events over the years.
Our thoughts are with all those affected.
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Image: © Google Streetview
