Grooming fears end ice rink plan

Plans for a Christmas outdoor ice rink in Bath have been scuppered over fears it could be used by paedophiles to groom children.

Sygma Events Ltd withdrew its plans for the rink because concerns were raised about child protection issues.

In a meeting to discuss the rink, the objections were raised by St John's Catholic Primary School. No-one from the school was available to comment.

The rink was due to open on 7 November and remain until 4 January.

We feel that the child protection issues have been used beyond reason Brian Cleary

Under the plans, the rink would have been built close to the back of the Bath Sports Centre which is also near St John's School.

The school's head teacher Lawrence Swan raised his concerns with the Bath Safety Advisory Group.

It then held talks with Sygma and other interested parties to ensure all issues of concern were being addressed.

Brian Cleary, director of Sygma Events said: "We feel that the child protection issues have been used beyond reason and the location for the rink poses no additional risk to children beyond the already busy Bath Leisure Centre, rugby and cricket clubs which are in close proximity to the school.

"Not withstanding this debate, it is Sygma policy to ensure all staff are CRB [Criminal Records Bureau] checked and security measures exceed expectations.

"It is more likely that with a well staffed and CCTV controlled rink the area would have been a safer environment than at present.

"It comes as a great shame when something as fun and innocent as an ice rink can be thwarted due to unfounded suggestions by a minority with a misguided agenda."

The school said its board of governors was due to meet on Tuesday evening and would issue a statement following that.