A COUNCIL motion to examine the events that led to the poor condition of Basingstoke's ice rink has concluded.

The motion passed on February 23, aimed to examine how the issue was handled by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council over the years and what the council could do to hold the leaseholder accountable for repairs of the facility.

Owned by Standard Securities Ltd and operated by Planet Ice (Basingstoke) Ltd, the ice rink has faced criticism from residents due to the rink's poor condition which has led to hockey matches being cancelled.

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The investigation, concluded by the council on September 18, was examined by councillors at a Resident Services Committee meeting on the same date.

The report endeavoured to establish a timeline of events, and whether the council had taken necessary steps to protect the rink and stop it from falling into disrepair.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council were not at fault as they sought 'appropriate' approvals and made decisions 'in accordance with the council's governance procedures', the report has concluded.

Findings also suggest that 'committees were updated and kept informed as appropriate' on information related to the ice rink, with knowledge shared with the public 'where possible'.

"Throughout the lease term the council have sought to work with the tenants which has involved complex negotiations," the report continues.

It added that the council's agreement with Planet Ice makes it 'explicit' that the 'maintaining and repairing of the facility sits with the council's direct tenant and not the council'.

Addressing the council's processes in the future to prevent a similar situation from happening, the report says that the council has undergone a 'number of restructures over the last two years'.

It adds that these restructures have led to 'progressive improvements to ensure clear lines of communication and responsibility' and 'good governance measures in place'.

Speaking at the meeting, committee member and co-leader, Cllr Gavin James, said that the council was told 'in July that we were nearly there' and that documents were 'just on the line to be sorted'.

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He continued: "We don't know the date, Planet Ice don't know. I don't want to add to speculation and guesswork."

Cllr James explained that residents will be informed of the date for repair to begin through a joint press release sent to the council and ice rink users' 'at the same time'.

"It would be significantly less than a year to get the regular ice users back in the rink, that's their [Planet Ice] intention," he added.

 Committee member Cllr Alex Lee, who proposed the motion in February, said he is 'left feeling like there is something else' that the council 'should have done as part of this report'.

He added: "I don't feel like we've done that function."

Agreeing with Cllr Lee, Cllr Sean Dillow said: "In a way, it feels like we've been marking our own homework."

The committee decided to present aspects of the report to Cabinet.