Community-run Ryde Arena ice rink to be wound up

Users of Ryde Arena held protests after the community-run ice rink lost its lease in October

The community group that rescued the Isle of Wight's only ice rink nearly two years ago is set to enter voluntary liquidation.

Ryde Arena Ltd said they expect the firm will be wound up following a meeting of creditors on 17 November.

The group's landlord, AEW UK, which shut the rink in October, said it is owed about £200,000 in rent.

Liquidators BRI said other creditors included suppliers and people who had bought tickets for cancelled events.

'Very upset'

The firm said "the company is unable to offer refunds" for Wightlink Raiders ice hockey games and shows including a pantomime on ice which failed to take place last December.

Arena chairman Ian Jenkins said he was "very upset" at having to let customers down.

He said he had no regrets about signing a £156,000-a-year lease to take over the financially-troubled rink in April 2015.

Mr Jenkins said: "It was either sign the lease or the place closed. We gave it a try."

Ryde Arena Ltd had been trying to negotiate a lower rent following storm damage to the building last November.

Liquidators said the company could not offer refunds for cancelled skating lessons, shows and ice hockey games

BRI said early indications suggested the arena's assets amounted to about £20,000, including an ice-cutting machine, skates and the remains of an insurance claim for the storm damage.

AEW UK refused to comment on the insolvency or its plans for the seafront site.

The freeholder, Isle of Wight Council, said a 15-year condition that the site had to contain an ice rink expired in February.