Pavilion businessman to bring back town’s ice rink

The temporary rink has been a regular attraction in the town for several years but huge losses prevented it being set-up last year.

But former leisure businessman Phil Duckett has taken responsibility for the rink and hopes to see it return year-on-year.

He said: “Worthing is on the up at the moment and we don’t want to go backwards.

“I think the rink keeps us on the map and will put smiles on faces, much like my hopes for the pier’s southern Pavilion.”

The rink will open between January 31 and March 3 and will be covered for the first time.

It will hold 80 people at a time, with 30 minute sessions scheduled.

Mr Duckett said: “The rink is part of Worthing and I thought it would be fun to get involved.

“That was my first thought, then I put my business head on and looked at it that way.”

Traditionally, the attraction has been organised by the Town Centre Initiative, using funds from local business owners.

But it stopped in 2012 when the project made a loss of around £35,000.

The main difference with Mr Duckett’s plan is that he has purchased the rink and related equipment, cutting costs in the long-term.

Should it be well supported, the future of the rink could be secured for following years.

Mr Duckett said: “All in all, it is an investment of around £100,000 and it needs to be better supported than it has in previous years.

“I think the fact it is covered is a good thing, as people make decisions based on the weather and held off booking a session on the rink to see how it was going to be.”

For the full story, see the Worthing Herald, out Thursday, January 9.