Jobs at risk in Telford Ice Rink cutback bid
Jobs could be at risk under plans to reduce opening hours at Telford Ice Rink as part of cost-saving measures, it has been revealed.
Officers at Telford & Wrekin Council hope to save £40,000 over the next two years by cutting "poorly-attended" sessions, potentially during school hours.
But the move has been met with anger by centre users, who claim the move will make the rink more busy at weekends.
More than 200 people have signed an online petition against the plan since it was launched on Sunday.
It is not yet known how many jobs would be under threat under the proposals. But the council's 2016 budget review suggests restructuring and reducing employment at the rink.
The authority needs to save £30 million over the next two years. A number of other services such as libraries and markets could also be axed in a bid to make the savings.
The rink close to Telford's Southwater development is home to Telford Tigers, a professional team which plays in the English Premier Ice Hockey League and draws in crowds of about 1,000 spectators.
The rink is currently open from 7am to 11.30pm seven days a week. Sessions are currently held every day for people of all ages and abilities, including public skating, ice hockey training for juniors and adults and social skating sessions.
Councillor Liz Clare, cabinet member for leisure services and culture says the council is now considering feedback received during its consultation period.
She said: "One of the 32 budget proposals is to reduce public opening hours for Telford Ice Rink during the school day.
"This proposal would not involve the Ice Rink closing for all daytime sessions but for those sessions which are poorly attended.
"The Ice Rink opening hours after school, in school holidays and at weekends will remain unaffected.
"We are now considering all comments and feedback received during the consultation period.
"The outcome of the consultation will be known in the next couple of weeks.
"Any changes to the budget proposals will be considered by the council's cabinet at a meeting on February 25 – the final budget will be set on March 3."
But users have hit back at the plans to reduce opening hours saying it will become busier on a weekend.
The petition opposing the cut in hours has attracted signatures from across the country.
Public consultation on the council's budget ran for several weeks and closed on Sunday.
To sign the petition visit www.ipetitions.com/petition/reject-proposals-to-reduced-public-opening-hours
