Temporary ice rink motion voted down by Basingstoke council

In a statement shared on social media, Mr Murphy expressed frustration over the council's failure to find a solution that would allow residents continued access to ice sports.

“I am disappointed to hear that no solution could be found to provide temporary ice facilities for users across Basingstoke while repairs take place," he said.

"Residents and campaigners have shared their frustrations with me about the decision making on the temporary ice rink options and the continued lack of certainty around a timeline for when ice will be available again.”

The demonstration by ice rink users outside the council building ahead of the full council meeting on Thursday, October 17 (Image: Newsquest)

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The comments came after a council meeting saw the rejection of a cross-party motion, proposed by Conservative councillor Sean Dillow and seconded by Labour councillor Alex Lee, calling for a temporary ice rink to be installed during the closure of the borough’s only ice facility.

The proposal was narrowly defeated following a heated debate, which saw unusual alliances and lengthy debates.

In an electronic vote, 21 councillors supported the motion, while 25 voted against it.

Three councillors chose to abstain, and five did not vote.

Majority of both Conservative and Labour councillors backed the proposal, but it was ultimately rejected by councillors from the Independent, Liberal Democrat, and Women's Equality Party groups. The Green Party councillors abstained.

Before the meeting, a protest took place outside the council building, where local ice rink users gathered to voice their demands for a temporary facility.

Holding placards and chanting for support, they aimed to convince councillors as they entered the meeting—though their efforts were unsuccessful.

Cllr Dillow, while presenting the motion, spoke about the importance of the ice rink to the community, describing it as more than just a sports venue.

“It fosters friendships, nurtures mental and physical health, and provides a space for people of all ages to come together and pursue their passions,” he said.

Cllr Dillow argued that without a temporary solution, local skaters and hockey players would be forced to travel long distances to continue their activities.

Several Conservative and Labour councillors spoke in favour of the motion, highlighting the council’s financial ability to fund the project, given its reputation as one of the wealthiest councils in the country.

However, independent and LibDem councillors criticised the motion as financially irresponsible.

Cllr Paul Basham called it a "dead rubber" and highlighted the high cost of a temporary rink.

Council co-leader Gavin James described the motion as “the most offensive” he had ever heard, and added that an initial cost estimate for the project had been more than £2m—far more than expected.

Cllr Sean Dillow with young ice rink users ahead of council meeting (Image: Newsquest)

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Council leader Paul Harvey shared concerns over the financial implications, and said that funding the temporary rink would place a long-term strain on council resources.

“If you seek to prioritise the temporary ice rink over core service priorities, then we risk undermining the work of the council,” Cllr Harvey warned.

Labour councillor Alex Lee argued passionately in favour of a temporary rink as he spoke about the impact the closure would have on young ice sports enthusiasts, who will have to travel to other towns such as Gosport, Swindon, Guildford and Oxford to continue their training.

In the end, the motion was defeated by a slim margin.