Olympic hopeful 1,500th to back call to keep Ice Rink open

7.51.00pm GMT Wed 18th Nov 2009

A petition launched by Chris Nicholson and local Liberal Democrats to keep Streatham Ice Rink open has hit 1,500 signatures with the support of GB Olympic ice skating squad member Philip Poole.

Philip, who has been training at the rink, signed the petition this week. It calls on Lambeth Council and Tesco, the owner of the site, to ensure skating continues. Chris and other local Lib Dems, who have been out and about collecting signatures, report huge support from local people worried about the fate of the ice rink.

Tesco has refused to confirm it will guarantee the continuity of ice provision as revised plans are drawn up for the Streatham Hub redevelopment of the area around Streatham Station.

Chris Nicholson, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Streatham, pictured here with Philip, commented: "People feel very strongly that it is vital for the ice rink to stay open. There are so few things for young people to do in Streatham that to lose the ice rink would be a disaster. I hope Tesco and the Council listen and keep Streatham skating."