Maria Miller MP contacted Planet Ice to ask for an update on progress to ensure individuals and groups using the ice rink could have certainty about its future.

Maria met with General Manager of Planet Ice Colin Sturgess . They discussed the challenges Planet Ice has as a business with maintaining the rink given its age and the work being done by them and the Borough council to identify alternatives for the future.

Maria commented; “It was good to catch up with Colin and his see his incredible enthusiasm for wide ranging use of the Rink. It was wonderful to hear about the access he provides for disabled skaters. When the Borough Council met to discuss the future of the rink in December it was clear that a number of alternatives are being developed. Further meetings are planned by the Council in March when I hope users of the rink will get some certainty about its future.

“I learnt how to skate as a child and I am married to an ice hockey fan. Over the years I am fortunate enough to have seen Bison matches in Basingstoke and to see skating displays. I dearly hope that a resolution can be found so that this much loved local facility can continue to provide many hours of enjoyment every week. “