Plans by Planet Ice and budget supermarket operator Lidl could leave Island skaters without an ice rink for six months.

The Isle of Wight County Press today reported that Planet Ice and Lidl plan to demolish the current rink and replace it with a new food store with rink above. If the plan is approved the development could take six months to complete.

IW skaters have no viable alternative rink, and if approved the development could leave skaters without easily accessible alternative skating facilities until work is complete.

Particularly affected would be the IW’s elite skaters and British junior championship winning synchronized skating team the Wight Jewels, for whom continuity of skating is vital throughout the year.