Figure skating club shuts after 14 years

Members of the skating club, pictured at a Halloween themed skate, said they were heartbroken by the loss

A figure skating club from Coventry said it is "gutted" to be closing after 14 years.

Coventry Figure Skating Club (CFSC), a community run, not-for-profit, said it had to dissolve after losing rink time at Planet Ice Coventry earlier this year.

A spokesperson said the club has been a big part of the city's sporting and community life and its members are "heartbroken" at the loss.

More than forty skaters gathered for a farewell party on Friday, in what the club said was a reflection of the "sense of belonging" the club had created.

The club rented time with Planet Ice for an hour every Saturday through an agreement with the International School of Skating (ISS).

The group said it had tried to negotiate ice time with Planet Ice and International School of Skating, but neither business felt in a position to support the club to continue.

Forty skaters gathered to bid farewell to the club on Friday

A club spokesperson said: "The club has supported skaters of all ages and abilities, running affordable and fun skating sessions, and fundraising for charities such as Acorns Children's Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.

"Unfortunately, after losing our ice time earlier this year, we were unable to continue, despite strong member support.

"Our members are heartbroken but proud of what CFSC achieved, and we feel our story deserves to be shared as part of Coventry's local sporting and community history.

Planet Ice told the BBC the club contacted them to secure ice time, outside of ISS, earlier this year.

The firm said it did not have an issue negotiating time on the rink if ISS did not have any objection.

A spokesperson said: "Planet Ice would be extremely happy to hire ice to Coventry Figure Skating Club that meets all the necessary legislative requirements at a time that is convenient for all stakeholders."

The ISS has been contacted for comment.