Ice Factor set for return (From Gazette & Herald)

Ice Factor set for return

AN ICE rink run by a Ryedale company looks set to return to York next Christmas, after attracting more than 30,000 skaters over the Christmas period.

Organisers of The Ice Factor in the Eye of York said they were "very pleased" with the public response.

And they revealed that city centre retailers enjoyed spin-off benefits, with people coming from as far afield as Sheffield, Hull and Scarborough to use the rink before going off shopping - or spending the day going round York stores before going for a skate.

James Cundall, chief executive of Malton-based Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, which organised the rink, said he believed between 33,000 and 34,000 people used it.

"We did not have a clue beforehand how many people would come, but we are very pleased with that figure," he said. "We'd like to thank the people of York for using it."

He believed the rink's magnificent setting, in front of Clifford's Tower and the crown court and Castle Museum complex, was equal to that of any of London's outdoor ice rinks. "It looked very pretty," he said, adding that the rink had added to the magic of York at Christmas time.

An additional attraction had been the way the rink had been built around an oak tree, which had been insulated to prevent it coming to any harm.

While it would be some time before the accountants had been through all the figures, he hoped the final balance would be the right side of the line, and he would very much like to return to York next Christmas - although this would be down to City of York Council, which owned the site.

He said that while a success, steps could always be taken to ensure a similar event next year was even better.

Coun Keith Orrell, the council's executive member for leisure, said the rink had been a "first class facility" enjoyed by thousands of people. "I think council officers and the company deserve our thanks for the work done to make this possible," he said.

"The council has received many positive comments about the ice rink and we will be working to provide another rink next year."

Updated: 16:05 Wednesday, January 11, 2006