BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council have launched an independent investigation to examine the events that led to the poor condition of the borough’s ice rink.

The decision came following a motion passed during a full council meeting held on Thursday, February 23, after years of frustration among the community over how the issue was handled over the years.

Proposed by Cllr Alex Lee, the motion aims to address the longstanding grievances surrounding the management of Basingstoke Ice Rink, which is owned by Standard Securities Ltd and operated by Planet Ice (Basingstoke) Ltd.

@basingstokegazette Protestors last night demanding our ice rink be brought up to standard ⛸ #protest #icerink #iceskating #basingstoke #hampshire ♬ original sound - Basingstoke Gazette

Basingstoke Gazette: Cllrs Alex Lee, Sean Dillow and Andy McCormick among protesters outside the council buildingCllrs Alex Lee, Sean Dillow and Andy McCormick among protesters outside the council building (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking at the council meeting, Cllr Lee said hockey games are regularly cancelled at the Basingstoke rink because of its poor condition.

READ MORE: Basingstoke ice rink's future uncertain as upgrade plans stall over disagreement

“I would rather not be political on this issue,” he said.

“Something this big and community-focussed should cross party lines.”

He also thanked the supporters and users of the ice rink who tirelessly campaigned for years.

Basingstoke Gazette: Sue Dilley, Sarah Dillow and Kizzy Bowen were part of the protest outside the council buildingSue Dilley, Sarah Dillow and Kizzy Bowen were part of the protest outside the council building (Image: Newsquest)

The original motion also proposed to submit a report on how the council will provide the necessary temporary facilities to support ice hockey and figure skating in the borough while any repairs are taking place.

However, after deliberation and a suggestion from former portfolio holder Cllr Jenny Vaux, the council opted to amend the motion to explore the possibility of providing such facilities rather than committing unequivocally.

Besides the inquiry and plans for the temporary rink, the motion also proposed to outline steps to prevent similar failures in the future, arrange a meeting to understand the minimum standards for the safe continuation of sports, and seek legal advice to hold the leaseholder accountable for the repairs of the facility.

Basingstoke Gazette: Bex Dilley, one of the figure skaters, protesting outside the council buildingBex Dilley, one of the figure skaters, protesting outside the council building (Image: Newsquest)

Cllr Abdel Ibrahim seconded the motion, while Cllr Michael Howard-Sorrell supported it.

Cllr Sean Dillow said this motion is an opportunity to find some definitive answers finally.

Council leaders Paul Harvey and Gavin James questioned the allocation of funds for the inquiry, suggesting that resources would be better directed towards the welfare of ice rink users.

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The council ultimately voted in favour of the motion with amendments, signalling a commitment to addressing the concerns surrounding the ice rink.

Prior to the council meeting, a demonstration organised by ice rink users took place outside the building.

Figure skaters, wearing their skating gear, brandished banners and posters, demanding swift intervention from the council to resolve the ongoing crisis.

Figure skaters wore their skating shoes and held banner and posters outside the building to demand intervention from the council to solve the ongoing crisis.