RESIDENTS are calling for Southampton’s permanent ice rink to return to the city.
Ahead of the return of the temporary ice rink at Westquay for the festive season, a renewed plea has been made for the return of Southampton Ice Rink.
'A day I won't forget'
The attraction, which opened in 1952, boasted large visitor numbers.
Among those on the ice was Virginia Stewart.
The 72-year-old Totton resident thinks the return of the rink will benefit the city.
READ MORE: 'End of an era' for Southampton skating club
She said: “When I was a teenager myself and some friends caught the train to Southampton and walked to the ice rink.
“We had a whale of a time although we could hardly skate.
“It was a day I won’t forget. There’s nothing for children to do now.
“An ice rink is good for all ages and the city centre lacks it.
“It would improve the city centre, there’s nothing in Southampton apart from Westquay and flats.
“An ice rink would bring people from all over to Southampton. It would be nice to have one close to home.
"Surely children should be able to do something other than going to the cinema?”
'We will never give up'
The ice rink wasn’t only enjoyed by visitors and residents, it was also home to the Ice Dance and Figure Skating Club.
Despite the closure of the rink, the club continued to meet and club secretary Edna Boden is keen to see it return.
She said: “Myself and hundreds of others have been asking the council for the past 34 years to support the return of an ice rink to Southampton.
“An ice rink will boost tourism, be an excellent additional leisure facility for the community and bring new jobs to the city.
“There is currently no ice rink on the whole south coast and with over two million people in the region and an ever-increasing student population in the city, the indications from leisure developers are that an ice rink in Southampton would be extremely viable.
“Even after 34 frustrating and fruitless years, I think I can speak for many when I say we will never give up on the campaign for the return of a permanent ice rink to the south coast.”
READ MORE: Remember Southampton's ice rink? These pictures will take you back
Return of the rink? Unlikely
Despite the ongoing calls for the return of the ice rink, the idea has not roused the necessary support.
A spokesperson from Southampton City Council said: “The council is very supportive of any organisation which can bring high-quality leisure and entertainment facilities to the city.
“Although there is not a permanent ice rink in the city, it’s great that we have the temporary ice rink which will be returning to Westquay for Christmas this year.”
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