The councillor responsible for overseeing the redevelopment of Basingstoke's ice rink has hit back at claims they haven't tried hard enough to save it. 

Cllr John Izett, cabinet member for regeneration and property, said: “We have been accused of not being transparent about the ice rink and not being clear about trying to save it. This is untrue and unfair."

The Conservative ward member for Burghclere, Highclere and St Mary Bourne said: “Throughout we have consistently shared the ice users’ concerns about the poor state of the ice rink.

“We are the owner of Basingstoke Leisure Park but the ice rink is not a council facility. The ice rink was sold to the private sector by a previous administration back in 2000."

It comes after Independent Cllr Jack Cousens (Kings Furlong and Brookvale) said Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council was "asleep at the wheel" and was "leaving it to the last minute".

At a meeting last week, it emerged the rink could close as early as next summer if funds aren't raised to make vital repairs.

Chair of the Ice Rink Users' Forum Sally Cashman said she was aware of talks between Standard Securities and Planet Ice who had been discussing shutting the rink or changing its lease. 

Cllr Izett continued: “The rink is held on a long lease by Standard Securities who in turn have granted an occupational lease to Planet Ice.

"Both leases require the tenant to keep the building in good and substantial repair, therefore the repairs required to the building are the responsibility of Planet Ice. However we have been working together with them to move forward with refurbishing the rink as quickly as possible.

“As part of this, we commissioned a survey of the structure of the building. Planet Ice carried out a survey of the ice to help understand the extent of the problems and has now prepared a costed specification for the work needed.  This has been shared with us before Planet Ice invites tenders from contractors to carry out the repairs. We are awaiting detailed financial proposals from Planet Ice.

“Concerns have been expressed recently by councillors on the Community, Environment and Partnerships committee about a clause in Standard Securities’ lease which allows them to apply to the council as the freeholder from July 2020 for a change of use from ice rink to another leisure use. 

"This was first disclosed and discussed by that committee back in June 2018 and so has been public for a number of years.  However we have had no application as freeholder to change the use and, it is assumed, Planet Ice will have security under their own lease with Standard Securities to continue to use the building as an ice rink.

“We are keen to make progress as quickly as possible so there is clarity about the future of ice in Basingstoke and await proposals from Planet Ice and Standard Securities. As a council, we recognise the role that the rink plays in the town and the community support for it.”