Islington News:

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 4 July 2008

Ice rink campaigners outside the town hall

Freeze plans to axe centre’s ice rink, campaigners urge

Warning that teenagers will be sent back onto streets if redevelopment forces closure

ICE skating enthusiasts are calling for the ice rink at Holloway’s Sobell Centre to be saved.
The rink faces potential closure as a result of the redevelopment of the centre, expected to begin early next year. Supporters anxious about the rink’s future lobbied politicians at a Town Hall meeting last week.
Head coach Karen Combes has appealed for a new rink to be provided in the redeveloped centre and a temporary facility opened while the Sobell is being redeveloped.
She maintains attendances are at an all-time high, particularly following the massive success of TV’s Dancing on Ice.
“Providing kids with an alternative to hanging around on street corners gives me a great sense of achievement,” she said. “Over the last couple of years we’ve seen more and more kids attending our classes. It teaches great discipline and team spirit.”
Skaters range in age from three to 60. Sarah Earl, a local resident, said closure would be a massive backward step. She added: “It’s important we provide young people in deprived areas with something to do.
“Ice skating is now more popular than ever. Closure of the rink will simply send these kids back onto the street.”
The Hornsey Road rink is the base for Haringey Skating Club and classes are held there for special needs schools, autistic groups and, most recently, an orthodox Jewish girls’ group.
Lesley Stewart, the first black woman to reach the British championships, trained at the rink.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: