Concern over winter ice rink damaging park grass

Plans have been approved to allow the temporary ice rink to operate in Imperial Gardens over the next three winters

Concerns have been raised over the environmental impact that a temporary ice rink could be having on a popular park.

The winter attraction at Imperial Gardens in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, provides a huge boost to the local economy throughout the Christmas period.

Speaking at a planning committee meeting, Cheltenham borough councillor Glenn Andrews raised fears that with each passing year that the rink is installed, soil compaction and sunlight deprivation are slowly killing the grass underneath.

However, the committee voted to allow the installation and operation of the rink for up to 75 days a year, from November to January, for the next three years.

Imperial Gardens hosts numerous outdoor events, particularly during the summer months, including the Cheltenham Festivals

During the meeting on 22 May, Andrews said he was worried that after another three winters, the council may have to completely redo the gardens.

"Every time I go into Imperial Gardens... the re-turfing isn't taking as well. That is fairly obvious," he said.

"I do worry about soil compaction. We've got three whole years, and winter is the time when traditionally those gardens would regenerate.

"I think on ecological grounds I'm against this."

The ice rink operates in Imperial Gardens for 75 days a year between November and January

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, head of planning Chris Gomm said he was not aware that soil compaction was an issue assessed by the case officer.

"The condition that requires the land to be reinstated to its former condition would also apply to the flowerbeds and the grass, to make sure they are healthy post deconstruction," he said.

Councillor Frank Allen added the economic benefit it brings to the town outweighed any potential ecological issues.

"The ice rink is one of our best features in the winter. We would do well to keep on preserving that," he said.