I am deeply disappointed that the motion that I proposed and Cllr Alex Lee seconded, which called on the Liberal and Independent administration to finally make a decision regarding the provision of a temporary ice rink, was not unanimously supported.

This motion, which had cross-party support from the Labour group, was not just about funding a temporary facility—it was about clarity, direction, and accountability. 

For clarity, the motion's main resolution was to; request that the Cabinet decide whether to provide a temporary ice rink. Had the motion passed, it would have provided an opportunity for the administration’s Cabinet to make a clear decision: either to support a temporary ice rink or, if that was deemed unfeasible, to put forward a concrete plan of alternative support for the ice rink community and its users during the closure of the current rink for refurbishment.

(Image: Newsquest) Unfortunately, the motion wasn’t supported by one side of the council chamber, the message in all the speeches from the administration’s speakers was loud and clear: 'NO.' There was also no real engagement to offer an alternative plan, leaving ice rink users without answers.

READ MORE: Basingstoke MP criticises council leader after temporary ice rink motion voted down

By voting down this motion, the administration has left the ice rink users with even more uncertainty. The community is now left asking, ‘What next?’ There is no alternative plan, no direction, and no offer of support while the rink is closed for refurbishment.

This motion was about finally giving the ice rink users the answers they deserve. Instead, they continue to be left in limbo by this council’s Liberal and Independent administration. There seems to be no clear pathway forward and promises to ‘Keep Ice In Basingstoke’ and any offers of support for the ice users seem to have fallen by the wayside. 

The ice community feels they’ve been left out in the cold. Our residents expect better, Basingstoke deserves better, and I hope this Liberal and Independent administration recognises the real consequences of their inaction.

Cllr Sean Dillow

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