Worksop: Petition for new ice rink at Tesco site receives support

Petition to get an ice rink on the land formerly owned by Tesco, pictured centre is organiser Lawson Glasby with Adam Davies, Luke Evans, Becky Overton, Callum Barrie and Jake Smith

More than 900 people have signed the ‘Worksop Ice Rink’ petition which was set-up last week.

The land at the junction of Carlton Road and Blyth Road is being advertised for sale by Reesdenton Chartered Surveyors on behalf of the supermarket giant.

The site is being touted for retail, residential and leisure uses or a discount foodstore.

Amateur hockey player, Lawson Glasby, of Worksop, who launched the petition, said: “I know there is a lack of facilities in this town for young people and for a long time people have complained, but this is an opportunity we can all get behind.”

“An ice rink offers so much opportunity, not only from a sporting but also a leisure perspective. Ice skating is a fun, recreational activity for young people as well as families and appeals to everyone. Everyone has to travel at least half an hour by car to Doncaster or Sheffield to give just ice skating a go.”

Tesco said they wanted to make sure the site had a ‘positive future’.

On the ice rink petition, Coun Simon Greaves said: “It would be excellent to see a commercial backer come forward with a positive proposal for an ice rink in the area. It would no doubt be a great boost to the leisure offer for the district. The petition is very impressive and it’s great to see so much interest.”

“Obviously the land at Clinton Maltkins is owned by Tesco and not Bassetlaw Council but it would be good to know the views of Tesco and local residents to the suggestion.”

News of the petition has so far received a positive reaction from people in the town.

Bassetlaw Green Party election candidate, Kris Wragg, said: “The ice skating venue suggested would be tremendous for people of all ages in Bassetlaw and a much better use of the land than another supermarket.”

People also left messages of support on the petition.

Ken Abbott, of Worksop, wrote: “Any facility that gives an additional options for young and old to enjoy social and physical activities is to be greatly encouraged.”

Jacky Riding, of Rhodesia, posted: “It will bring more money into Worksop with more jobs for local people.”

Visit www.change.org/p/worksop-ice-rink to sign the petition.