VISITORS to Accrington town centre will be able to get their skates on - whatever the weather - when a portable ice rink is erected during the run-up to Christmas.

Hyndburn Council has arranged to hire a portable rink which will be set up in front of the market hall for six days in mid-December and six further days early in the New Year.

But when asked to consider putting up a portable ski slope, the council's head of regeneration said it was best to take things "a little at a time".

The council's Accrington town centre regeneration board was told of the plan by council leader Peter Britcliffe, who said the council had hoped to put a rink in place for the half-term break in October, but found it had already been booked. The board has booked the rink between December 13 and 19, and also from January 3 to 9. The hire cost is around £2,500 per week and any profits will be invested in the town centre.

The council is not spending its millennium celebration money on New Year's Eve, but is instead holding a fun day in Accrington town centre on January 9, while the rink is still be in place.

Regeneration director Nigel Rix said: "Those who are itching to get their skates on will be pleased to know we have booked this rink."

Market trader Neville Singer said he had once seen a portable ski slope erected in a square in Manchester.

He asked if it would possible to hire one and offer an alternative to the facilities at Ski Rossendale

Mr Rix said it might be hard to find a suitable site for a ski slope and said he thought it best to take things "a little at a time".

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