The ice rink could be shut down within six months unless emergency repairs are made. This was the stark message from Sally Cashman, chair of the Rink Users' Forum, at a council meeting last week.

Imagining Basingstoke without an ice rink is a tragic thought. Since it opened in 1988, it's been the envy of neighbouring towns and has brought a sense of pride to the town through its teams and of course, the Bison, who draws huge crowds for its matches.

Councillors from across the political parties have been vocal about their desire to save the rink - so why has the administration of the authority not? After months of dithering and talks of moving the rink, council project director Kate Deane said it probably wouldn't be moving after all but added no reassurance about the much-needed repairs its owner seems unlikely to pay for.

This confusion and dilly-dallying does nothing to reassure the community about the council's intentions. We are calling on the authority to be transparent in its dealings regarding all sports facilities in town - the ice rink included.

Katie French, Editor