Bournemouth residents are being invited to share their views on whether the borough needs a permanent ice skating facility.

For some time now there have been public calls for a permanent ice rink in the town and over the last two years Bournemouth Borough Council has been investigating the possibility of providing a new purpose built facility. After looking carefully across the borough, Kings Park has now been identified as a potential site for the complex.

Councillor Malcolm Davies, Cabinet Member for Children & Families Services said: “We are currently undertaking discussions with various groups to identify the need for this facility, and if the proposals we are suggesting are appropriate. We have distributed 7,000 information leaflets and questionnaires to households across the borough and are urging people to share their thoughts on the proposals.”

The Olympic-sized ice skating rink, which would include a separate area for curling, would be combined with other facilities to create an all new leisure complex. The proposed additional facilities include an indoor football pitch, an indoor surfing facility, an outside archery centre, mini golf, a climbing wall and café and restaurant facilities overlooking the park.

Residents who do not receive a questionnaire by post but would like to find out more or submit feedback should email greenspaces@bournemouth.gov.uk or write to Bournemouth Borough Council (Ice Stadium Project), Queens Park Pavilion, Queens Park West Drive, Bournemouth, BH8 9EW. The deadline for feedback on the proposals is 24 October 2008.