Ice rink noise behind objections

A school in Bath which objected to plans for a nearby ice rink, causing the scheme to be abandoned, said it had "genuine child welfare concerns".

Developer Sygma Events claimed St John's Roman Catholic Primary had suggested the rink could attract paedophiles trying to groom children.

But a statement from the governors said "the inevitable disturbance" from the noise of the rink was its main concern.

The rink would have opened as a festive attraction on 7 November.

Sygma Events Ltd withdrew its plans for the rink after concerns were raised at a meeting attended by representatives from St John's Catholic Primary.

The governors of the school said: "(We) objected to the ice rink because of genuine concerns for the welfare of children and the inevitable disturbance to the school for six weeks.

"Great shame"

"We are not against the ice rink. Indeed at our meeting on 20 October 2008 we agreed to suggest to the council that, if it proceeded, the ice rink should not open before 4pm on school days.

"On finishing our meeting at 8pm we learnt of the decision of the contractors not to proceed."

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.

Speaking after the decision to abandon the plans, Brian Cleary, director of Sygma Events, said: "All parties were given the opportunity to discuss their views, however, according to Brian Cleary, Director of Sygma Events, he was subject to a torrent of issues directed at the company regarding child safety.

"Mr Cleary confirmed to the meeting that Sygma has an excellent reputation in event organisation, security, CCTV, licensed security staff and CRB checks.

"Despite this, representatives of the school still objected to the rink due to the proximity of the school building to the site and the distinct possibility of 'grooming' - a view not shared by either Sygma, the sports centre or a local police officer who also attended the meeting.

"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."