Campaigners aiming to save the Island’s ice rink are holding a special event outside Ryde Arena at 10:30am on Saturday 6 October.

Two years ago, on the 6 October 2016, the people of the Isle of Wight woke to find themselves locked out of Ryde Arena, our only ice rink. Children expecting to practise their figure skating and train for hockey instead found padlocked doors. Overnight and with no warning, AEW UK destroyed the dreams of thousands of Islanders whose lives have been changed by skating. Since then the rink has been left empty, something the freeholder says is against the terms of the lease. It has been left to become an eyesore in one of the most prominent positions on the Isle of Wight.

Meanwhile, an important leisure and tourist facility has been lost, both to the people of the Isle of Wight and to the tourist trade that much of our Island depends on. We are told that instances of anti-social behaviour have increased dramatically since the closure of the rink. We need leisure facilities. We need healthy activities for our young people, recreation for our citizens, facilities for schools, attractions for tourists. The rink was all this and more to the Island.

Help us get Ryde Arena back for the people of the Isle of Wight. We will not give up. Our skaters are still skating and our hockey players would love to get back on Isle of Wight ice again.

Join us at 10:30 on Saturday, 6 October as we fight for Ryde Arena, our seafront, our young people and our community!

Register now for a free breakfast bap!

There will be free bacon, sausage or veggie baps for the first 100 people to present their vouchers from registering. Vouchers must be printed. A voucher does not guarantee a bap. Only one voucher/bap per person present and a maximum of four baps per household. Unfortunately, once 100 baps are served there will be no more available.

By registering you will receive further instructions and guidance on attending this event, but you do not need to register to join in.

Register at: www.eventbrite.com

Ryde Arena Community Action Group: www.racag.org