A BUSINESSMAN wants to get the good times rolling again by creating a vibrant roller skating rink in south Essex.

Clive Meech, 40, is eager to see a return to the big hair and disco beats of the Eighties, which were once a common sight at the Roller City rink, in Pier Hill, Southend.

He is planning to open a rink at Purdeys Way industrial estate, Rochford, having been inspired by a recent trip to a similiar facility in Colchester.

He said: “We have young children and we thought we would take them roller skating, but the nearest rink is in Colchester. It is a good hour-and-a-half round trip.

“It seemed to be equally as popular as it was ten or 12 years ago.”

Mr Meech hopes the new rink will follow in the illustrious footsteps of Roller City, which was packed with youngsters when it was open more than 20 years ago.

Roller City then moved to another venue, in Aviation Way, Rochford, before it closed in the late Nineties.

He said: “We thought it would be something nice, because a lot of people have been screaming for something like this for years now.

“I have just turned 40 and every time we socialise with friends, everyone talks about Roller City. It was such a popular location for teenagers.”

He hopes the 7,000sq ft rink, which would include a coffee bar, will be open by the summer.

However, John Bond, acting chairman of Rochford Parish Council, was less enthusiastic about the proposed scheme, which he said he believed was planned in the wrong venue.

He added: “The industrial estate doesn’t have the footpaths to accommodate lots of children, not to mention all the large lorries that roll up and down its roads. I believe an industrial estate is for industrial things.

“But, it’s a fantastic idea if they can find another location. I remember having a great time when I went to Roller City when I was younger.”

Mr Meech, who owns interior refurbishment company Clive Meech Property Services, estimated the rink would cost £250,000 to get up-and-running.

A planning application is currently being drawn up and is expected to be submitted to Rochford District Council in the near future.

Mr Meech said he realised the popularity of the original Roller City when he noticed the number of online social networking groups, which had sprung up in its honour.

He added: “It’s amazing there are still people reminiscing about it today. It shows the continuing popularity of the place.

“I’m hoping the people who remember it will take their children to my rink.”