District Council to spend up to £130,000 on a Christmas ice rink

Councillors approved the proposal to spend the cash on the rink and £10,000 month-long Christmas market to Mansfield, at a full council meeting on Tuesday (September 18).

Councillor Roger Sutcliffe said: “I consider this is the most exciting project Mansfield has entered into during the Christmas period.

It will give areal boost to Destination Mansfield and is the good news our business traders have been waiting for. Overall with good support we could be at break even point when all the figures are analysed.”

He said the council has been exploring the provision of an out door real ice skating rink in the run up to Christmas and the New Year to increase the foot fall in the town centre and the market during the festive period. The rink would be sited at the rear of the Mansfield Square close to the old town hall.

“The provision of an ice rink would have a significant impact on the market during a crucial period for traders prior to the lean months of January to March.”

Councillor Katrina Atherton raised concerns that there is a similar offer nearby in Nottingham and that the budget could be better spent on other initiatives to support businesses in the district. Councillor Sonya Ward said: ”It would be a lovely idea but the council should be looking to deliver everyday services and find ways to plug the council funding gaps.” She called for other social issues to be addressed instead.