Rink owners allay fears over Bison's future (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Rink owners allay fears over Bison's future

8:00am Thursday 19th January 2012 in Ice Hockey By Graham Merry

ICE rink users in Basingstoke and across the country were shocked to learn this week that a winding-up order had been issued against the eight Planet Ice centres, including the one at the town’s Leisure Park.

However, any fears for the future of the Basingstoke Arena, which is home to the Bison, has been quashed by John Neville, group managing director of the Arena Group, which owns the Planet Ice brand.

Neville said: “I can assure everyone that this matter is being sorted out. Business will continue as normal and it will have no effect on the Basingstoke Bison.”

Last Friday, HM Revenue and Customs issued winding-up orders for eight Planet Ice venues – Basingstoke, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Norwich, Gosport, Isle of Wight, Peterborough and Hemel Hempstead.

In response, the Arena Group board said: “The decision of HMRC to follow up their action against the Arena Group is scheduled to be heard in February, when it will go before the courts for their opinion.

“The action taken is with regards to the disputed assessment of unpaid taxes.

“The board dispute the assessment and action taken by HMRC.”

The Arena Group is expected to release a further statement today, confirming that the matter has now been resolved.