Basingstoke's ice rink community to hold demonstration

Organised by Cllr Sean Dillow, the rally will take place at 6pm ahead of a full council meeting, where a motion will be presented to request a temporary ice rink while the existing centre undergoes refurbishment.

Cllr Dillow, who is leading the initiative alongside Cllr Alex Lee, is urging all ice rink users, ice hockey players, and supporters to attend the demonstration.

The motion, which will be debated at the full council meeting, calls for the council’s Cabinet to provide a temporary ice rink to ensure the local ice sports community is not left without a space to practice and compete during the refurbishment of the current rink, managed by Planet Ice.

Cllr Sean Dillow in front of Basingstoke's ice rink (Image: Sean Dillow) READ MORE: Multiple fire engines at Basingstoke ice rink as centre evacuated due to fire

“This administration has promised to 'Keep Ice in Basingstoke,' and this is our chance to show the council that we won’t accept empty promises," said Cllr Dillow.

The closure of the existing ice rink for repairs has raised concerns among users, who fear being left without a local facility.

The motion put forward by Cllr Dillow and Cllr Lee aims to ensure that ice skaters and hockey players are not forced to travel long distances, disrupting their routines and placing additional strain on local businesses and professional coaches who rely on the rink’s footfall.

"The ice rink is not just a sports facility—it’s a lifeline," Cllr Dillow added.

"It fosters friendships, nurtures mental and physical health, and brings people of all ages together. When the rink closes for refurbishment, our skaters and hockey players will have nowhere to go. We must act now to ensure our community isn’t left out in the cold."

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The current administration of the borough council has previously expressed its commitment to 'Keep Ice In Basingstoke'.

However, Cllr Dillow cautioned that failing to support this motion would betray the community’s trust.

“If the council doesn’t support this motion, it will prove that their promises were nothing but empty words. This is more than just a motion; it’s a test of our priorities and integrity as elected officials. We need to stand by our residents and show them that we truly hear them.”