Updated: Pier rollerskating rink opens

10:30am Sunday 20th July 2008

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THE roller skating rink on Southend pier has opened, after delays.

The rink had a VIP launch on Friday evening, with mayor Gwen Horrigan and the Southend Sabers skating team.

It was due to open to the public on Saturday morning, but it was delayed until late afternoon after strong wind caused damage to the roof and forced organisers to close the venue.

Council resort services manager Lynn Jones said contractors fixed the problem and the building control officer had given the thumbs up to the venue reopening.

Ms Jones said: "Some work was done on the roof and it was passed by the building control officer.

The rink, on the old AMF bowling site, will stay for the rest of the summer.

John Lamb, Southend councillor responsible for tourism, said the rink was a “fantastic addition” to the pier.

He said: “Anyone can enjoy rollerskating and as well as providing fun, it’s a terrific way of keeping fit.

“It’s been years since we’ve had a rollerskating rink in Southend and I’m sure it will prove to be a popular attraction – great for visitors, great for residents and great for the town.”

Opening the rink was made possible thanks to a £50,000 Government grant.

Mr Lamb added: “The grant enabled us to bring people in who could run the rink. It was also used to promote the rink and deal with ongoing set-up costs.”

The council has also secured a £120,000 grant to create a major water-themed event during the August Bank Holiday.

The event will be linked to the Cultural Olympiad, the festival designed to showcase British artistic talent in the run up to the 2012 London games. It will celebrate Southend as a cultural hub and tourism destination.

Mr Lamb said: “We haven’t got the programme of events fully mapped out yet. We want to make sure we have everything in place for what we want to do.”

The open-air skating rink will be open from tomorrow to Sunday, August 31.

It will open seven days a week, from 10am to 7pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10am to 9pm Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets will cost £5 for adults and £3.50 for children.

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