Ice rink patrons 'increasing'

The Eden Leisure Group, which has announced it was closing down the Eden Ice Arena at St George's Bay, said that since the announcement was made, the rink has seen a steady increase in visitors.

But despite this, the rink would close on August 22, to be converted into a multipurpose hall for exhibitions, conference and incentive events etc.

Work is expected to commence at the end of August and is targeted for completion by November 2003. Managing director Ian De Cesare said that despite not being financially viable, the rink has many loyal patrons.

Figure skating and ice hockey had been particularly successful as sports with over 100 people playing ice hockey and several hundred people trying figure skating lessons.

Foreign expertise was brought in from abroad to set up these courses and the response was very positive.